Theo Bean

1951 - 2017

Theo Bean

(1951-2017)

Theo Bernard Bean Jr. died after a short illness at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota on June 12, surrounded by his sons, Patrick and Theo IV, and his loving wife, Ann Coffey Bean.

"Toby ," as he became known over the years, enjoyed hunting, beekeeping, racing vintage cars and most importantly, Diet Coke. He became ill shortly after competing for the fifth time in the famous, Italian Mile Miglia auto race where he drove a vintage race car ably co-piloted by his wife. Toby was ecstatic to have completed this event again, racing with his sons for the first time who joined him as fellow competitors. Toby was the eldest of four sons of Theo and Nancy Zimmerman Bean. He graduated from the Lovett School before charming his way into the University of Georgia in Athens, where he was known for just about everything but good grades. Toby, also a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity, graduated in 1975 with a degree from the Terry College of Business. Upon graduation, Toby worked for his family's commercial printing business, W.R. Bean and Son, before moving to Lafayette, Louisiana. There he established Bean Energy and Bean Resources, two successful "Oil and Incredible Gas," exploration and production businesses. While he had struggled with traditional academics, Toby was a clever entrepreneur who prided himself in being able to "outwork" anyone. This cleverness, in combination with his commercial skills and unrelenting work ethic, enabled him to capitalize on a number of initially unpromising business opportunities. Most notable was his transformation of a disappointing dry hole drilling project in Mississippi. He redeveloped the project into a valuable underground natural gas storage facility. Toby served on the member of Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPPA), Mississippi Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (MIPRO), United States Oil and Gas Association (USOGA) and Louisiana Independent Oil and Gas Association (LIOGA). Toby was also in business with his three brothers enjoyed fishing, hunting, telling stories and enjoying certain quantities of Dewar's Scotch. Toby had many passions in life. In addition to his lifelong love of the outdoors, he particularly enjoyed exotic cars and racing. Toby quickly developed a name for himself by extensively participating in vintage racing through his affiliations with Historic Sportscar Racing, Ltd, and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association. Many of his closest friends were on the track; none more so than his two sons, for whom he could not have been more proud to carry on the legacy. While Toby could wheel a race car against the best, he was not allowed anywhere near the tools-neither in the garage, nor at home.

As tough as Toby may have appeared on the outside, he also had a softer touch and took great joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved colorful flowers and everything about women's clothing (Except wearing it!) and did not let the fact that he was color blind affect either of these loves. He was a collector of modern art and antique furniture. Even his music choices were a bit eccentric; he loved Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion as much as Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers, perhaps more.

Toby's greatest joy in life was his family. He loved spending time and shared many hobbies and passions with his sons, Theo IV and Patrick. He also had the great fortune to marry his best friend and love of his life, Ann. They loved sharing all facets of their lives together-whether working, traveling, racing or simply walking in the woods together with their dogs. He was a devoted, entertaining and loving stepfather to Ann's daughter, Emma. Toby was a member of Sea Island and Ocean Forest Clubs, Capital City Club, Oakbourne County Club, Petroleum Clib of Lafayette and City Club at River Ranch. He supported numerous charities, and was a benefactor to May Clinic, M.D. Anderson, Menniger's and Texas Children's Hospital.

In addition to his sons, Theo IV and Patrick, and their mother Allison, Toby is survived by his devoted wife, Ann, his step-daughter Emma, and his three brothers, Jeffrey, Jonathan, and Matthew, and their families. There is no doubt that this racecar driver, airplane pilot, oil man, bee keeper, entrepreneur, forester, wildcatter, printer, hunter, collector, brother, father, husband and friend will be dearly missed. Toby was a maverick who could easily blaze his own trail, but he was also a loyal champion for others. Sometimes for the good of one, sometimes for the hope of teaching many, but always with selfless, honest intention and incomparable flair. Surely his family and friends will find heartfelt peace and pass on the story of Toby's life. It was a remarkable one. Don't take any wooden nickels, Toby.

Visitation is planned for Sunday, June 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son-Spring Hill Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 19th at H.M. Patterson and Son-Spring Hill Chapel with reception to follow at Capital City Club, downtown. A memorial service to celebrate Toby's life will be held Friday, June 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Petroleum Club of Lafayette, Lafayette Louisiana.