John Reuben Bean

John R. Bean 84, of Indianapolis, passed away on May 18, 2013 after a brief illness. He was born December 23, 1928 in Clarksville, Arkansas to Walter and Margaret Bean. He married Julia Peterfly with whom he just celebrated their 55th anniversary. John is also survived by his two sons, Mike (Peggy) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Keith of Indianapolis. One of ten children, he is now survived by three sisters. Rev. Bean received his undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University and his Bachelor in Divinity from the University of Chicago in 1954. He served three churches in his career as a minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They were Chicago Avenue Christian Church, Columbus, Ohio; Northwest Christian Church, Columbus, Ohio; and North Christian Church, Columbus, Indiana, from which he retired after serving for 25 years as the senior minister. During his professional life, John served in many roles with the Disciples Church on both a regional and national level. His career started on the regional staff in Ohio. He later served as moderator of the Indiana Region. He served in multiple roles on national committees for the general church board including the vice chair of the Council of Christian Unity. While in Columbus, John served as the founding president of the Columbus Ecumenical Assembly, served on the Mayor's Commission on Human Rights, and multiple other community boards. In 1989, he received from the City of Columbus, Indiana the William R. Laws Human Rights Award. He also has served on the Board of Directors of Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. There will be a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at Northwood Christian Church, 4550 Central Avenue, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Northwood Christian Church of the Trustees' Fund at North Christian Church, 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus, IN 47201. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan - Washington Park North . You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan