Col. Kenneth Earl Bean (Ret.), 71, of Clyde died Wednesday, July 21, 2021. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene with Gary Turner officiating under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Kenneth was born November 12, 1949 in Winters, Texas to Ivan and LaVerne (Clayton) Bean. He graduated from Novice High School in 1968. He married Marsha Saverance in Novice, Texas on March 29, 1969. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 until 2009. He earned his BA Degree from Tarleton State University, and his Masters Degree from the Army War College. During his military career he served as a Civil Affairs Officer during Operation Sea Signal at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Chief, Civil Affairs, for 1 ^st BDE, 1 ^st Armor Division during Operation Joint Endeavor at Bosnia-Herzegovina; Commander, 418 ^th Civil Affairs BN, 4 ^th ID during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Tikrit, Iraq and Civil Affairs Officer during Operation Enduring Freedom in Kabul, Afghanistan. He earned many decorations, service medals and badges throughout his career including, the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star and the Defense Meritorious Medal.

He loved having adventures with his wife. They enjoyed traveling and seeing the world.  They loved to visit national parks where they would enjoy nature, hiking, panning for gold and many other outdoor activities.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marsha Bean of Clyde; four children, Tessa Wilson and husband Russell of Clyde, Kevan Bean of Clyde, Keith Bean and wife Crystal of Abilene and Leslie Nielsen of Abilene; two brothers, Dwight Bean of Tye and Anthony Bean of Hurst; sister, Glenda Wright of Splendora; grandchildren, Brandon Patton of Salt Lake City, Utah, Kaiden Bean of Beavercreek, Ohio, Desirae Renfro of Hawley, Alissa Bean of Abilene, Kyle Bean of Abilene, Madalyn Nielsen of Abilene and Natalee Nielsen of Abilene and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be made at www.baileyhowardfuneralhome.com