I will miss him for the rest of my life. He was a funny, intelligent, loving and caring man who lived for his family. He was the best dad a daughter could ask for. Rest in peace. I will always love you.

For those who asked:

   My Pawpaw was the greatest man I have ever known. Through his wisdom and guidance I learned so many life lessons that shaped who I am. 
    He taught me the joy of reading when as a 3 or 4 year old child I would climb into his lap and "read" to him the Sunday comics. He would always say, "Good job Sister," as I made up word after word to go with the colorful pictures on the page. He taught me how to be a teacher whenever he let my child-self correct his, probably accurate, reading of those same comics. 
    He taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to, even be a superhero. He would play the villain to my Wonder Woman and through some creative methodologies on my part to defeat him (all while he was encouraging me to win), I, like my tv idol, would emerge victorious. He would then smile indulgently and say, "Good job,Sister. You did it."
    He taught me how NOT to fish. On his first,last, and only attempt to try, I dumped out the worm bucket and threw them in the water to feed the fish because I felt sorry for them. Even though he was more than a little frustrated, he taught me forgiveness, by still gently saying, "Good try, Sister."
     He taught me how to laugh at oneself. No matter how hideously awful, tacky, or generally silly the outfit, hat, or accessory that was presented to him was, he would good-naturedly try it on to elicit a laugh all the while chuckling right along with everyone else. It was always a privilege to be lucky enough to tell him jokes, listen to his deep laugh, and then grin proudly at him when he said, "Good one, Sister."
     He taught me compassion, especially for those who can do nothing for you. For years he fed and cared for any and all animals who wandered into his yard or visited his home. He would spend a couple hours preparing and grilling bones for my dogs to eat. He did it so often they associated the word "Pawpaw" with the treat. Pawpaw would chuckle but beam proudly knowing my dogs connected him to the treats he made. I often teased Pawpaw about how fat the little birds he fed became- calling them softballs with wings. His face would split into a grin and he'd say, "They only get what we give them. We have to treat them right." Which might be a lesson I learned too well as my pets resemble round furry barrels, too.
     He taught me how to drive, at least on the freeway. I was a nervous wreck. Pawpaw just sat calmly in the front by my side gently offering occasional advice. Mainly he was silent except to repeat over and over, "You're doing good, Sister." 
    He taught me how to speak persuasively without being overly emotional or losing control. This lesson, I'll admit, took me awhile to learn. Many times he would say something that I considered inflammatory just to get me rev'ed up and then off my temper flew citing reasons and evidence why such a thing was not so. Every once in a while he would proffer a comment to deflate some of the wind out of my argumentative sails, but mostly he sat watching and shaking with silent laughter. It took me years to realize he would say something like that on purpose. Once I finally figured it out, I asked him why. He boomed out one hearty laugh and said, "Cuz it worked, didn't it Sister?"
    He taught me how to see the true measure of a person. It's found in the acts of joyfully giving and caring for ones family. He loved us and wasn't afraid to show it in word and deed. He would get up early at Bonham and make us kids  bacon and eggs for breakfast, the first of several that we managed to have each day. He would drop everything and help whenever we asked. I needed to change the oil on the first car I ever owned. Not having a clue what to do, I called him and he said to bring it right over. He said he would teach me how to do it for myself, be self reliant (another lesson I learned from him). He settled a few supplies next to the car and popped open my hood. He poked around a minute or two and the next words out of his mouth were, " I don't know anything about a midz-oo-booshy?" I giggled and corrected him "It's Mitsubishi, Pawpaw." He just shook his head and said he didn't know anything about no foreign car. Then instructed me to get in and went with me to get my oil changed teaching me what to say and ask for. Judging from the scattered papers on his desk when we returned he had a million other things to do, but he set it aside to care for one confused teenage girl. 
    Most importantly he taught me how to love, and what true love looks like. All I had to do was watch him and grandma together. He stood steadfast by her through medical problems that would have sent lesser men running for the hills. His eyes filled with devotion and love whenever he looked at her. It didn't matter if she was in the full bloom of health or bald from battling cancer. She was always the most beautiful woman in the world to him. He opened doors for her, made sure she never felt slighted or was in want, and happily journeyed by her side to exotic locales like Hawaii, Bonham, or their grandkids' plays and sporting events. He showed me that love comes from not just hugs and kisses, but tears when just the thought that something like a disease could take a loved one away. 
     Pawpaw was one of the few men I knew who would and could never hurt me or let me down. He truly was a man without equal. I am who I am due in part to those things he taught me. I can only hope that I honor each lesson throughout my own life so that when I see him again he can say, "Good job Sister. I'm proud of you." 
     I love you Pawpaw, and thank you.

Grandpa I will miss you enormously. So sorry I missed the celebrate of your life. You and grandma are the glue that holds this family together. I cherish some many sweet memories of our family growing up. Your home was always open, your freezer always full, your backyard birds, stray cats, and squirrels were always feed. Your green thumb kept the family full of figs, tomatoes, and other fruits and veggies. Our family reunions and shared holidays were events I looked forward to every year.  I don't think there was a time I didn't see a half chewed up cigar hanging from your mouth. Your gentle soul, continue support and love for grandma, your enthusiasm for your family, and laughter that shook your belly will never be forgotten. Thank you for serving your country. Thank you for being the rock for your family. Thank you for being the best stinking Grandpa ever. I love you and will cherish these memories forever!

Amber and Nathan, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy and words can not express the emotions you feel. Know that I am thinking of you and keeping you close to my heart.

Bill was a wonderful grandfather and great grandfather to Madelyn, she'll always remember him as her "grandpa with the cool chair" as she called it:) May he Rest In Peace and all our prayers for our family and grandmother.  He was an honorable man that may be gone but not forgotten.

My heart is broken.  My dad loved and protected me his entire life.  My father was a kind gentle noble man and influenced me in so many ways by his example and  by teaching me many things such as an excellent work ethic  persistence, self-discipline generosity and the importance of family.  My dad achieved numerous career accomplishments in his  life and I am so proud of him but  the love and devotion of his entire family is the measure of the impact and legacy he leaves  behind.  Rest in Peace daddy you will be missed forever.

My grandfather was the epitome of the word "gentleman." When I think of the way I want to conduct myself as a father and as a husband I couldn't have asked for a better example. He was kind, funny, patient and loyal. I hope I am able to provide my sons as worthwhile a role model as he provided me. Miss you always.

To the best father that ever was. I love you and will miss you for the rest of my life.

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

OBITUARY

William Walling Bean

April 28, 1931 – June 21, 2017

Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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