John H. Bean

John Bean was born April 30, 1934 in Cortland, NY, son of Alton and Gladys Bean.  He graduated from Homer High School and from Ranger School in Wanakena, NY.  He served in the US Army from 1956-1962 when he received an honorary discharge.  John was employed as a model-maker for Welch Allyn’s Research and Development Department in Skaneateles Falls, NY for 35 years and was listed as one of the inventors on a patent Welch Allyn was granted.  He was also a surveyor, and he had his own saw sharpening shop.

John was very active with the Auburn Church of the Nazarene, teaching the junior boys Sunday School class for years, leading junior and teen quizzing, teaching the adult Sunday School class in later years, serving as an usher, and serving on the church board.  He worked on many projects on the church grounds and on the Upstate New York District campgrounds.  He was faithful with studying the Bible when no longer able to attend church.  He loved nature, watching animal programs on TV, identifying trees, and gardening.  He also loved to travel, whether for a Sunday drive or to see more of the country.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, BonnaLee (Bonnie) Bean, daughters: Betsy (Carl) Chacon of Alamosa, CO; Meg (Dan) Barnes of Independence, KY; and Amy (Greg) Crofford of Austin, TX.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Robert Rhodes of Muskegon, MI.  John has five grandchildren: James Sprague, John Crofford, Elizabeth (Tommy) Blair, Bradley (Emily) Crofford, and Stephen Barnes.  He also had many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Joanne Sprague, his parents, his brothers Edgar and Thomas Bean, and his sisters Nina DeJoy and Alice Swan.

He will be cremated.  There will be no calling hours.  A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Auburn Church of the Nazarene Senior Compassionate Ministries

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