In Memory

James Kenneth "Ken" Bean
BEAN, JAMES KENNETH "KEN," of Helena, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2007. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. the same day in the funeral home's chapel, with Reverend George Hill officiating. Ken was born in 1935 to the late Luther and Ruth Bean. He was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in May 2007. He was educated at Minor High School in Pratt City and was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served in France. Ken had a long and distinguished career with Chicago Bridge & Iron Company in Birmingham. He was always excited to share the Gospel, along with his wife, Betty. He spent his Saturdays sharing the Gospel in inner-city Birmingham, and Thursday nights serving the homeless through Soldiers of the Cross Ministries. Throughout Ken's difficult journey, his faith in Jesus Christ never wavered; he finished the race well. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty; daughter, Donna (Roger) Willis; son, Mark (Tracie) Bean; grandsons, Brett Willis and Logan Bean; as well as four siblings, Phillip Bean, Carol Ray, Sandra (Bill) Frame and Deborah (Jerry) Miller; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Comfort Care Hospice and caregivers Heather, Nicole, Hattie, Diane, Regina, Ginger, and Pastor Hill, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CJD Foundation, P.O. Box 5312 Akron, Ohio 44334 or 286 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Suite N, Akron, Ohio 44333. Phone (330) 665-5590.

When we moved to Alabaster some 21 years ago the Beans practically adopted Amy
as their own and thus began our journey into inner city ministry at Gate City. Later
I met their daugher Donna as part of Christian Women's Club and became her friend
as well (and she is about to move to St. Petersburg Russia to begin a new adventure in life).
When we got the news in May of Mr. Bean's diagnosis of CJK disease
(human Mad Cow) we were shocked and upset for him but also for his family.
Their long journey (nightmare) has now ended.
Our prayers continue for the family. I know Mr. Bean is with his beloved Savior.
Chris