Richard L. Bean, age 90, of Athens, died early Saturday morning, June 3, 2023 at The Lindley Inn, The Plains.  Born April 4,1933 in Athens, he was the son of the late Kenneth Thurman Bean and Thelma Iona Steele Bean.

Richard attended Athens High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he served as a Medic.  He was employed for 25 years at "The Athens Messenger" as a Press Room Foreman and employed for 21 years as an Instructor at the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism, retiring in 1997.

He was the last surviving charter member of The Plains Volunteer Fire Department where he served as 1st Assistant Chief.  He was also a member of the Richard Area Fire Department for many years.  He was active as a 4H (Advisor) and youth program parent.  He was "Grandpa Rich" at 1st Friends Christ Community Pre-School.  He was a former Board Member of Athens County Children's Services and a member of the Alexander Lions Club.  He was a member of Alexander Presbyterian Church where he was active with youth groups, vacation bible school and church camp.  Later in life he attended The Plains United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed woodworking and oil painting, showing his works at several local area art shows.

Richard is survived by his wife of 19 years, June Hardy Koon; three daughters, Ann (Eddie Woodyard) Trout of Albany, Joy Bean of Albany and Beth (Mark) Shrivers of Athens; a son, Michael Bean of Nelsonville; four grandsons, Andrew (Melissa) Trout of Athens, Levi (Shelly) Bean of Nelsonville, Aaron (Kellie) Trout of Colorado Springs, CO, Zachary (Alexis) Shrivers of Huntsville, AL; a great grandson, Benny Trout; three step children, Linda (Maury Kittle) Collins, Michael (Jean) Koon and Liz (Dave) Hoisington; a step grandson, Tyler Hoisington; three sisters in law, Peg Storts, Joy Shaw and Judy Radford; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by wife of 50 years, Shirley Ann Shaw Bean, who passed away in 2002; a step daughter, Diana Harvey; two brothers, George (Nancy) Bean and Paul Bean; and three brothers in law, Larry Radford, Dick (Sandy) Shaw and Jim Shaw.

A graveside service will be held at Alexander Cemetery, Hebbardsville on Saturday, June 10th at 11:00 a.m.  Military Rites will be conducted by the Combined Color Guard at the cemetery.  A meal will follow at the Alexander Presbyterian Church.  Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Plains Volunteer Fire Dept., 29 Connett Rd., The Plains, OH 45780.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.