Elmer H. “Sonny” Bean earned his last set of wings on May15th, 2022, at his home in West Bethel, with loved ones by his side.
Sonny was born in Colebrook, New Hampshire on July 11th, 1933, to Bessie and Elmer “Bo” Bean. From New Hampshire they came to Bethel, Maine then moved to Portland until Sonny’s 8th grade year. They returned to Bethel so Sonny could attend Gould for his freshman year, where he was a standout on the football field.
In January 1951, Sonny enlisted in the Army with his best friend and brother, Gene Brown. He completed Basic Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina then went on to complete three weeks of Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. At the end of 1951 Sonny was shipped to Koje-do, Korea. Fourteen months later he returned to Bethel and started working at Brooks Brothers. He spent nearly 50 years there, serving the community. Sonny also became an active member of The American Legion, Post 81.
Shortly after returning he married Berta Olson, who already had two children Linda and Neal and continued their family in 1955 with Kevin, Kim (D), Peter (D), Lorna, Leslie (D), Mark (D) and Marlene (D). Then in 1967, Sonny married his second wife, Arlene. Sonny gained three step daughters that he loved like his own, Darlene, Mary (D) and Kathy-Jo. They were together for 48 years. Sonny was blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Sonny was well loved in and community and would’ve given the shirt off his back and did. He was a man of God, loved his family, friends and animals deeply. His last companion Bogie will be laid to rest with him. Sonny will be forever loved and missed.
Sonny is survived by his son Kevin and Kris Bean, daughter Lorna and John Mahar. Along with his step children, Linda Halston, Neal Griffin, Darlene Baker and Hank Rolfe, Reggie Brown, and Kathy-Jo and Richard Farren. Sonny is survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Sonny’s graveside service will be held Friday, May 27th at 1pm at the Mount Will Cemetery, on Route 2, in Bethel, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Responsible Pet Care.
“See ya on the flipflop, Clifton!”