Absolutely heartbroken to learn of the passing of Steve Bean. Steve played so many pivotal roles in so many lives. He was a brilliant artist, a beautiful person all around. He was a huge part of my early theatre life and taught me so much. I may have never met my wife had he not cast us in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in 1996. I had the privilege of acting with him in “My Three Angels” in ’93. His sets were always stunning. I sketched this silly picture for the t-shirts of Robert, Craig, and Steve back then. Carol Anne and I recently connected with Steve on facebook. I enjoyed following the amazing, happy life he was living with his partner Robert and we were overjoyed to see him last year at one of our Les Misérables performances. We were reminded all over again just how sweet and kind and generous he was. God, there just aren’t adequate enough words. Thank you, Steve. Just, thank you. You were an angel on earth long before you were one in heaven.

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Michael “Steve” Bean (October 27, 1951 ­ February 22, 2015) Mr. Michael Steven “Steve” Bean died Sunday night (Feb. 22, 2015) at Shands Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida following a brief illness. Mr. Bean was born in Rutherford College, North Carolina, to the late Wiley Bean and Earline Crotts Conway. He has made Waycross his home for the past 10 years and was the Curator of the Okefenokee Heritage Center. Mr. Bean was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church and was a member of the church choir, the church vestry, and also served as an Eucharistic Minister. He was a very active member of the Okefenokee Humane Society where he helped out however he could. Mr. Bean is survived by his partner in life, Robert “Rob” Stewart of Waycross, one sister, Janey Hathcock of Lenoir, North Carolina, two brothers, Robert and Donald Bean of Lenoir, North Carolina, three nephews, Cody Goode of Waycross, Corey and Casey Bean of Lenoir, North Carolina, a niece, Emma Hathcock of Lenoir, North Carolina, three step­-siblings, Denise Stillwell, Ronald Conway and David Conway and many other loving family members. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday (Feb. 28, 2015) at Grace Episcopal Church. Visitation will be held Friday from 5-­7 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Okefenokee Heritage Center, 1460 North Augusta Ave. Waycross, GA, 31503.