BLOOMINGTON — Rex Byron Bean, 66, of Bloomington, passed away approximately 7:07 p.m. EST Wednesday (May 10, 2017) in Orlando, Fla., with his wife, youngest son, and daughter-in-law by his side.

Rex was born Dec. 24, 1950, in Eau Claire, Wis., son of Lyle Wayne Bean and Phyllis Elaine Bean. Rex was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lyle and Phyllis; and brothers, Paul and Brian Bean.

Surviving are his wife, Patti Bean, Bloomington; children/step-children, Kristin (Jason) Oakes, Champaign; Aaron Bean, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Adam (Meghan) Bean, Washington, D.C.; Tracy Jones (Alex) Kirsch, Columbia, Mo.; Lisa Wooden, Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren/stepgrandchildren, Miya and Jalen Oakes, Champaign; Alex and Isaac Jones, Columbia, Mo.; Jayden Wooden, Phoenix, Ariz.; siblings, David (Roberta) Bean, Downs; Steven (Sharon) Bean, Pana; Carrie Schenk, Bloomington; Susan (James) Thoennes, Bloomington; Gary Bean, Bloomington; Allen J. Bean, Bloomington; Teresa Long, Bloomington; Bonnie (Ski) Coone, Downs; and Mark (Lori) Bean, Arrowsmith.

Rex was a career plumber/pipefitter with Local 99 and retired from Illinois State University in 2012. He and his wife spent their retirement traveling, attending and volunteering at Vale Church, volunteering at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts, attending antique car shows, visiting with family and friends, dancing, gardening, and listening to music.

Rex loved God and His church, and all of his family and friends. He loved music, singing, playing guitar, and telling "dad jokes." He was always good for a laugh. He also loved old cars and was a member and past president of the McLean County Antique Auto Club.

We lost someone special. He taught us love, faith, forgiveness, and the comfort of knowing where you are going when it is time to be called Home. We may have heard him sing his last song, but his melody will linger on with us forever.