William “Willie” Bean

William “Willie” Lee Bean, 46, of Walnut Grove, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025. He was born on December 11, 1978, in Springfield, Missouri, to Allen and Linda (Melton) Bean. 

On May 7, 2022, Willie and the love of his life and best friend, Kimberly Gomes, were united in marriage.  

Willie was a 1997 graduate of Walnut Grove High School. He had a long career with Greene County Highway Department and ended his time there as a road grader operator. 

Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mowing. His tools and shop were organized, just the way he liked it. 

Willie was also a member of Glidewell Baptist Church. He was a loyal and honorable man. 

Willie was a man of his word and a great example of what a Biblical husband should be. Willie loved his family and family gatherings. 

He was thankful that his dad never left his side and was always there and for his sister, Jessica, who was a princess in his eyes, even if he never said it. Willie will be greatly missed.       

Willie is survived by his wife, Kimberly Bean; mother, Linda Bean; father, Allen and Michelle Bean; sister, Jessica Fortner and Bobby; step-sister, Brittany Howard and husband, Brian; step-grandparents, Jerry and Carol Hess; mother-in-law, Judy Severson and husband, Karl; father-in-law, Paul Gomes; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Paul Gomes II and wife, Jessica; Andy Gomes and wife, Arika; Jennifer Groomes and Stacey; Tammy Gomes;Amanda Gross and husband, Sean; nieces and nephews: Gavin and Anna, Mackenna, Cheyenne, Emma, Wyatt, Megan, Hadie, Deysonn, Braelyn, Michael, Addison, Piper, Dillon, Carson, Faith; aunts and uncles: David and Beth Melton; Karen Melton; Danny Reeves and wife, Rachel; David Reeves and wife, Tonya; girlfriend, Michelle Williams and husband, Andy; best friend and fishing buddy, Brad Fann; his Greene County brothers; Office HoHoHos; puppies, Claude and Frank; cousins, other family, and many friends. 

Willie is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Donna Melton, Charlie and Gladys Bean; and aunt, Beth (Melton) Chainey.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. 

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove, with burial to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Willie’s name to CTO (Cross Trail Outfitters), Hope Lodge in Kansas City, or to St. Jude’s and may be left with the funeral home.