Calvin Rockwell Bean

Calvin Rockwell Bean passed away April 13, 2025, at his home at age 94. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25 at King Baptist Church, 6730 FM 1783, Gatesville, TX., followed by interment at King Cemetery at the same location.

Mr. Bean was born in Algoma, Michigan, February 11, 1931, to Marie Gaul and Willis Bean. He attended school in Fruitport, MI, and enlisted in the Army after graduating. He married his wife, Joella, shortly before leaving for bootcamp. During his time in the military, he worked his way up from private to Lieutenant Colonel, and served in Japan, Korea and the Philippines, as well as many years in the United States. He was given command of the 7th Air Calvary Unit, which activated in Vietnam, where he served three tours as a search and rescue commander and helicopter pilot.

Mr. Bean earned master’s degrees from both Boston University and University of Southern California. After retiring from the military, he briefly taught economics at the University of Texas at San Antonio before opening up his own CPA firm in Boerne, Texas. He moved to Gatesville in 1992 and helped establish Inspiration Valley Ranch, a family endeavor he would help run alongside his daughter, Jolene, for many years.

Mr. Bean valued his country and his family. He and Joella were married 74 years at the time of his passing, and his care for her was a testament to his devotion and love. Mr. Bean enjoyed reading, studying history, and playing chess. In his later years, he poured his heart into writing, self-publishing two books: “Pete Forming the Foundation” and “Pete Enlarging the Foundation”. He inspired respect and hard work in those around him.

Mr. Bean was a regular attendant of Temple Bible Church’s Bible Trek class. He also attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Temple. He was a firm believer, whose faith only strengthened with age.

Mr. Bean is survived by his wife, Joella Bean; their children Randy and Jolene; and four grandchildren; Calvin, Scott, Rachel and Michael.