Wallace Gayle Bean, (age 93), died May 19, 2014 in Rockford, Illinois. He was born August 27, 1920 in Sikeston, Missouri to Edward W. Bean and Olive Bell Taylor Bean.

He had two brothers, Lyman and Wade, and five sisters, Lena Fulkerson, Audrey Fulkerson, Lora Bean, Betty Rowland, and Ruth Kee.

He married Reva Lee Shearon on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1939 in Piggott, Arkansas. They worked at Elder’s Pants Factory before World War II.

Wallace served in the Army 8th division infantry from 1942-1945. He was wounded September 15, 1944 in France. He landed on Normandy Beach during the D-Day Invasion in 1944. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service.

Wallace and Reva moved to Trenton, Michigan after World War II and Wallace worked at McLouth Steel. They lived in Trenton for 40 years before retiring and moving back to Dexter in 1985. During his retirement, Wallace enjoyed golfing, wintering in the South and traveling with the Airstream Club.

Wallace loved the Lord with all his heart and was steadfast and faithful throughout his life. He was a loving husband and father. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a blessing and a joy to everyone who knew him. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of First Baptist Church of Dexter.

Wallace is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his sisters Lena, Audrey, Lora, and Betty, and by one great-grandson, Mitchell Fierz.

He is survived by his wife, Reva Lee; one daughter, Gale Lee Blechschmidt (James) of Sycamore, Illinois; two grandchildren, Lara Fierz (Stephen) of Rockford, Illinois; Matthew Blechschmidt (Kate) of Watertown, Illinois; and one great-grandson, Lliam (son of Lara and Stephen) and his youngest sister Ruth.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May 26, 2014 at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

The funeral service will be held in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. Steve Easterwood officiating.