Edward D. Bean, 81 of Charleston formerly of Van Buren passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in a local hospital. He was production welder for General Electric Company in Fort Smith. He was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force having served in the Korean War. He founded Compassionate Ministries and he also started Good Shepherd Ministry both in Van Buren. He was a member of Parkview Alliance Church in Van Buren. He was preceded in death by his father, Wyatt “Abe” Bean and his mother and stepfather Olcy Jane (Stokes) and Bruce Richards; one step daughter, Sharon Bowlet, four sisters and one brother.

Funeral service will be at 10 AM Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

He is survived by his wife, Helen (Fairchild) Bean of the home; three daughters, Sandra Parker and husband, Timothy, Sharon Bowen and husband, Grant all of Little Rock, AR., Donna Feimster and husband, Dwayne of Huntington, AR.; three sons, Edward, Bruce and Thomas Bean all of Oklahoma City, OK.; one step-son, Dewayne Hayden and wife, Jeannie of Paris, AR.; fifteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Family will visit with relatives and friends Friday, January 23, 2015 from 5-7 P.M. at Ocker Funeral Home 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons.

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