Donny Wade Bean

Donny Wade Bean, 88, was born on September 6, 1935 to Hazel (Littleton) and Perry Bean.  He grew up in the Collins Chapel community in Chilton County.  He was a long time resident of Thorsby, Alabama and a resident of Gardendale, Alabama.  Donny passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024 in Gardendale, Alabama.

Donny married Jeanene Childress and the couple had one daughter, Donna.   He graduated from Jemison High school in 1953 and joined the army shortly after.   He later worked and retired from Alabama Power Company after 35 years.  Donny was a long time member of Thorsby First Baptist Church.  He enjoyed many activities including raising cattle, attending Auburn football games, being a member of the Chilton County Auburn Club and the Peach Pickers camping club.  Later in his life he enjoyed spending time at his beach house.   He treasured spending time with and supporting his family, especially his grandchildren, William Chase and Kathryn Alexis "Lexi" Cornelius.  He adored his great-granddaughter, Lena James Cornelius.

Donny is survived by his daughter Donna Bean (Mark) Cornelius, grandson, Chase (Kindall) Cornelius, granddaughter, Lexi Cornelius (Trent England), great-granddaughter, Lena James Cornelius, and his sisters, Dorothy Bean Cates and Helen Bean (Jerry) Inman, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Perry Bean, and his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeanene Childress Bean.

Friends will be received Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Thorsby First Baptist Church.

Services will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Thorsby First Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Hodges officiating.

Interment will follow in Thorsby Memorial Cemetery, Thorsby, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that an honorary gift of donation be given to the Building Fund at Thorsby First Baptist Church, Post Office Box 307, Thorsby, Alabama  35171 or thorsbyfbc.org.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.