Duward Dee Bean – Nashville, IL (formerly of Benton, IL)

Duward Dee Bean, 95, of Nashville, IL passed away at 3:40 a.m., on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Axiom Gardens in Nashville, IL.

He was born on January 5, 1930, to Herman and Nannie (Elam) Bean in Anna, IL. He was a 1947 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro High School and earned his Bachelor ‘s degree in Business in 1952 from Southern Illinois University. He married, Lorelei (Savino) Brasch, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2002.

In 1952, he started his career as an Insurance Agent with Country Companies. A year later, he was promoted to Agency Manager in Franklin County, Illinois — the youngest Agency Manager in the State of Illinois. He was with Country Companies for 25 years.

In 1956, he started Bean Farms. In a span of 45 years, 40 acres became a 4,500 acre farm operation.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. He was also a member of the Benton Elks Lodge No. 1234 and the American Legion Post 110 in Nashville, IL. Duward served on the board of the McGinnis Cemetery for over 20 years and was instrumental in expanding the cemetery and enhancement of its roads and grounds.

Duward is survived by his loving daughters, Kay Grimes of Sarasota, FL and Carol (Michael Goad) Bean of Louisville, KY; his grandson, Jacob (Tiffany) Grimes of Fort Payne, AL and his great-grandchildren, Shane Grimes and Jace Grimes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Nannie Bean, his wife, Lorelei Bean, three brothers, Harold, George, Ron, his sister, Sarah, and special friend, Pat Hargan.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Mark Minor, officiating.

Burial will be private and will take place at a later date in McGinnis Cemetery, Anna, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at the funeral home to The Franklin County 4-H, an organization he supported for over 60 years.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.