Robert Morris Beane

Robert "Bob" Morris Beane, 82, passed away February 19, 2026 at Hospice House in Bowling Green, Kentucky. While dementia tried to take its hold in recent years, Bob never let it erase his humor or his love for his family.

Bob was born August 27, 1943 in Harlan, Kentucky to the late Clarence Edward and Allene Ballou Beane. The third of four boys, he spent his early years in eastern Kentucky before moving to Leeds, Alabama. His family returned to the Bluegrass and settled in Pikeville. Bob graduated from Pikeville High School in 1961.

On September 14, 1962 Bob married the love of his life, Naomi Wright Beane. Over the next 63 years, the two of them would prove inseparable. There was never a doubt; she was his world.

Any chance he could, Bob would tell you about his coal mining career. In his early years, Bob worked for the state highway in Pikeville before moving to Louisville, Kentucky as a construction machine salesman. He then moved back to Alabama, where he continued in equipment sales and ventured into coal mining. Bob and Naomi came home to Kentucky in the '70s, moving to Bowling Green, where they have lived for nearly 50 years. Throughout his career, Bob operated coal mines in Kentucky and West Virginia. He also started Sand Service Company in Kyrock, Kentucky. He continued in the mining business until his retirement.

Bob loved looking for the next mining adventure. He could spend all day watching old Western movies and tending to his sweet tooth, eating ice cream. His shirt pocket was never complete without a comb and dental floss, and fancy cowboy boots were part of his everyday attire. Even in his final days in a hospital bed, he was most comfortable in his blue jeans and boots. Most of all, Bob loved his family. For more than 30 years, his most proud title was "Pap."

Bob is survived by Naomi and their two sons, Eddie (Donna) Beane and Jerry (Stephanie) Beane, grandchildren Darby (Sean) Baute, Forrest (Megan) Beane, and Aubree Beane. He's also survived by his great-grandson, who he adored, Henry Edward Beane. In addition, Bob is survived by two of his brothers, Donald Beane and William Frederick Beane, sisters-in-law Anita (Joe) Woods and Martha Elswick, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Bob in death are his parents and dear brother, John "Jack" Edward Beane.

In lieu of a public funeral service, the family is holding a private memorial. Anyone wanting to honor Bob's memory is asked to donate to Hospice of Southern Kentucky.