Willis Ray Bean

Willis R. Bean, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 29, 2010, at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Marcella, sons and daughters-in-law John and Kathleen, Robert and Susan, James and Rose, and his grandchildren Justin, Jennifer, Jacob, Samantha, Nathan and Meagan. He was preceded in death by his parents John Conrad Bean and Lottie Edna Hess, and his brothers Hank, Henry, Robert and Lee Bean. Born in Marfa, Texas, in 1918, Willis lived a successful life in business, community and family. He graduated from Austin High School where he was quarterback on the football team, most popular boy, played basketball and ran track. He attended Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy where he studied Engineering, played on the basketball team and was a member of the Men of Mines and graduated with a Degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Willis served in the Navy Air Corps during WWII and was stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago, IL. He was chosen to serve as an Air Corps Instructor for four years, traveling to different schools in Jacksonville, Florida, Memphis, Tennessee, and schools in California to teach naval officers and enlistees to operate newer planes and gun turrets. An article written by a commanding officer during that time stated, "Bean… who took his early Naval electrical training at 87th and Anthony, came to Naval Air Tech Training Center, Memphis, from Jacksonville, where he was a very efficient instructor. Prior to his arrival at this activity, he was sent to the West Coast for further training on a new plane. 'Willis' fits this place like a new glove, since there is always a demand for a level head and good judgment- here we have both, plus a determination to get the job done." In 1942, Willis met the love of his life, Marcella Birute Stiklus. They married in Chicago, in 1945, after the end of the war. Shortly after, they relocated to El Paso, Texas, where Willis was a partner in Wyler Industrial Works. During this time Willis and Marcella gave birth to their three sons John Ray, Robert Ellis and James Wesley. Willis independently founded the professional engineering firm Willis R. Bean & Associates and enjoyed many years of successful business. He was very proud when his son Robert later became a professional electrical/mechanical engineer as well as his business partner, and when his sons John and James graduated from medical school. Willis was involved with his sons in the Boy Scouts of America as scoutmaster of Troop 444. He was also involved in the Little League sports programs sponsored by the Eastwood Optimist Club for which he served as president in the 1960's. As president, Willis petitioned the city of El Paso to build baseball fields in East El Paso, which became the first developments of Album Park. Above all, Willis was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a successful engineer and businessman. His company served many clients, including the El Paso Natural Gas Company, the University of Texas at El Paso, several bank buildings and Southwestern Bell, among others. Willis R. Bean, your family and friends will forever love and deeply miss you until we meet again one day in Heaven. Any gracious donations in his honor may be made to the Boy Scouts of America. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com.