Donald James Bean

Colonel Donald James Bean, US Army (Ret.), 77, of Salem, also known as the Prince of East Bottom, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011. He was born in Roanoke, the son of the late Colonel Donald M. Bean and Ruby Earl Bean. Mr. Bean was recently inducted into the Salem Education Foundation & Alumni Association Hall of Fame, as he was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School and received two Masters Degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He retired as a Colonel in the US Army following 30 years of active and reserve duty. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, served as President of the Roanoke Businessmans Club, and was a member of Taylor Lodge and Kazim Shrine Temple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Jean Steckler Bean. He is survived by two sons, James Earl Bean and his wife Michelle; Donald Shelton and his wife Jamie; a daughter, Jamie Tiki Smith; six grandchildren, Zachary Smith, D.J. Smith, Patti Smith, Laura Smith, Hannah Shelton and Daniel Shelton, as well as a special friend, Charlotte Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 2PM, Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Gary Robbins will officiate. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM, Monday, November 21, 2011 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Education Foundation, Bean Endowment, PO Box 1461, Salem, VA 24153An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.