Manford Bean

Manford Bean, age 69, passed away at his home in Yukon on April 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wright City, Oklahoma, on November 19, 1955.

Manford was an Army Veteran. He also was a big NASCAR fan and truly loved the smell of burning rubber. He once drove four laps in a race car at NASCAR going 150+ MPH, and handled it like a pro! He always dreamed of being a bull rider and used to jokingly say "I have the size, super grip legs and hands, I have everything it takes except.....the guts." Manford loved a good loud Thunder Storm, and would strategically place items close to the house so he could hear the pitter patter and ping ping of the rain bouncing off of them. It was a very soothing and relaxing sound. Spring and summer time were his favorite seasons. You could find him sitting by the pool (or our favorite swimming hole) with a cold one in hand, the grill going with something scrumptious cooking, teaching Jazzy Girl how to operate the rider for the very first time, sitting on his rider mowing the grass, shooting off his guns, or planting flowers or a vegetable garden with Nici. These were good times and he made them special.

Man never met a stranger, he loved people and people loved him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. His light hearted sense of humor and friendly disposition made him an exceptional man, best friend, husband, and papa.

Man never gave up, he was tough as nails, one foot in front of the other, fake it 'til you make it. He always carried himself with a sense of purpose and confidence. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix, he simply wouldn't give up until he figured it out. God and family were his motivation. He showed this even more so when we were at our lowest. He fought every single day to beat his cancer. Doctors gave him four months to live at best when he was diagnosed. Man and his loving wife Clara said "they don't know," with a smile on their lips, "only Our Father in Heaven knows when Jesus will come to take him home." By the grace of God, Man lived on for 1 year, 2 months, and 11 days.

Man loved his family and friends unconditionally, something Clara had not known herself until he came into her life. He was her best friend for years before they dated, then married. She is forever grateful that their beautiful family had so many blessed years together. He honestly saved her life and helped her look at life a whole different way. The void he left is sometimes greater than life itself, but his family knows, just like he did here on Earth, that he is in Heaven still watching over them. They love him to pieces. Man always lovingly said to his wife Clara, "It's you & me until the end Lovey" and so it was...

"Dear God keep me strong until the day Jesus takes me, where I know Man will be waiting with wide open arms, a smile on his face, and he will say 'What took you so long Lovey!?' See you Later my sweet, sweet Man!!!"  - Clara Bean, Manford's wife.

Isaiah 41:10 : "Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."

John 16:22 : "So you have pain now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."

Manford is survived by his loving wife Clara Bean and family; Shyann "Nici" Lee, Leonn Dewayne Ford Aebischer, Gail Bean, and Jazmine "Jazzy Girl" Stone.

A Celebration of Manford's life will be held at Sunnymeade Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.