G. Merlin Bean

G. Merlin Bean, 87, of Teton, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at his home of natural causes.

He was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Teton City, Idaho, to Lee Addison and Edith Caroline Siddoway Bean. He attended elementary school in Newdale and Teton City and graduated from Madison High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942. He served in the Army 12th Armored Division, 714th Tank Battalion, "The Hell-cats." He fought in the European Theater during World War II.

He married Norma Smith on Sept. 14, 1945, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They made their home in Teton. She passed away on May 28, 2003.

He was an active member of the Teton First Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a farmer and farmed in the Teton area until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Upper Valley Wranglers Riding Club from 1947 to 1950. He served as mayor of Teton City from 1972 to 1976.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth (Connie) Bean, Keith (Dana) Bean and Diane (Roger) Nafus; siblings, Elizabeth Fiedler and Russell (Margaret) Bean; eight grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; brothers, Doug and Lee; and sisters, Helen and Miriam.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 15, at the Teton LDS Chapel, with Bishop Blair Poulsen officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from noon until 12:45 p.m. Monday at the church prior to the services. Burial will be in Teton-Newdale Cemetery with military rites. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.