WINSLOW – On Sept. 3, 2023, Willis C. Bean, a quiet man of principal and strong rules of conduct, passed on.

He was born June 3, 1927 in Rangeley where he grew up and went to school. He started working at the age of 9 at the local golf courses. As he grew older, at the age of 14, began working in the woods with his father. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Marine Corp. for duty in World War II and was stationed in the country of China.

Upon returning home he married Lorraine Campbell and they had two children, Scott and Wileen. Willis started his career in the Maine Forest Service under the guidance of Kenneth Hinckley as a watchman in a fire tower in Kennebago. He moved on to Albany and became a Forest Ranger then on to Newport. His final move was to Norridgewock when he achieved the promotion of District Forest Ranger. Willis, known as “Beanie” to so many, retired in 1980. He married his second wife… known as “his Bride” Charlene, and they were hitched at the hip for 52 years.

Once retired he enjoyed life doing his favorite things. He rebuilt their camp on Ironbound Pond in Solon, had beautiful vegetable gardens and very manicured lawns; he liked to putter. Beanie was very meticulous in all he did and was a quiet man with a very dry sense of humor. After 23 years they moved to Winslow to be closer to her daughter, Marlene, “His Girl Friday”.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, Enona Anderson and Guy Bean; his siblings, Robert, Herbert, Emma, Edgar, Shirley, Mary and Peggy; his first wife, Lorraine; and daughter, Wileen.

Beanie is survived by His Bride of 52 years, Charlene H. Bean; his son, Scott (wife Carolyn) and children, daughter Saydra and son Shaygan; children of Wileen, son, Jeremiah and daughter, Ashley. Charlene’s children, daughter, Marlene (husband Joel Iverson), and son, Daniel W. Reed.

We would like to extend our thanks and deepest gratitude to Beanie’s medical team: Dr. Lisa Clarcq and sidekick Jennifer, Lee and the entire second floor medical and household workers at Inland Hospital who were so kind and caring with him and the family and to all the medical people throughout his later life.

Special thank you to Miss Emily and Plummer Funeral Home of Windsor for their caring, courteous and kind manner in helping us through this time of our life.

A gathering for R & R, Reminisce and Refreshments will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at St. Bridget Center, 864 Main St., Vassalboro, ME 04989. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Rangeley on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.