Valtin J. Bean

COLEBROOK – Valtin Jerry Bean, 79, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022 at his home in Colebrook. He was born to Jerry and Millicent (Reed) Bean in West Stewartstown on May 1, 1943. Val grew up with his two sisters, Kerry and Paulette, at the family home on Rt. 26 in Colebrook. Later in life, he connected with his half-sister Elaine (and her husband Sheldon) Gray. Val was happy to extend his family and spent much time visiting and catching up with them. He followed in his father’s military path by enlisting in the Army in 1962 and served as an ordnance specialist, and he was honorably discharged in 1968. Val was a true patriot and loved his country. Val met Irene Bryant and they were married on September 5th, 1970, becoming the father to a full house of seven children. Val and Irene had a son Jacob Valtin Bean, who died in 2002. Val had many interests, but was probably best known for the ability to troubleshoot and fix all sorts of mechanical devices. He was very detailed-oriented and kept impeccable records! He had an affinity for all things trucks and motors, and in his younger years he loved his Corvairs! He enjoyed Beaver Brook Falls, martinis, and boat rides with family and friends. Growing up, the whole family enjoyed swimming at the brook, having corn roasts and camping at Mud Pond. He loved his family and his dear friend Paul’s company. They shared many interests, and enjoyed each other’s conversations over the years, in the shop, and out and about. For many years Val worked for Sears & Roebuck as an appliance repairman, and he also worked for Lambert’s grocery store and later drove the Tri-County CAP bus for local senior citizens. Ultimately, he became self-employed as a service provider for Granite State Independent Living. Val was a kind person; many people who speak of him describe Val using the word “kind.” He had a great smile and enjoyed listening to peoples’ stories. He liked to go fishing with Irene on Fish Pond, and although he didn’t have much luck catching fish, he loved watching her get them. He enjoyed foraging for wild leeks and fiddleheads and simply enjoyed the local area. Val enjoyed going for Sunday rides just to “see what was new.” Val had an astute sense of humor and will be greatly missed by his family and friends and his special friend “Chester,” a cat which he adored. He is survived by his six children, Connie Goodrum (Danny) of Illinois, Donna Mercer of Vermont, Terrie Nelepovitz (John) of NH, Daniel (Chris) Mercer of NH, Kathy Mercer of NH and Jaunita Field (Scott) of NH; his mother, Millicent Bean of NH; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jacques of NH; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Irene (Bryant) Bean in 2020; two sons, Jacob Bean and Thomas Mercer, and his father, Jerry Bean. There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment service with military honors will be held in the Colebrook Village Cemetery on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Bean may be made to Helping Hands, 96 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Valtin J. Bean

May 1, 1943 - November 28, 2022