Joe Patrick Bean, age 51, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Lamar, died December 24, 2009 at Brackinridge Hospital in Austin.  He died as a result of a severe head injury sustained in a fall in the parking garage where he worked, followed by a massive heart attack.

     Joe was the son of Pat Bean and the late Sherrell Bean of Lamar.  He attended Lamar Elementary and High School, but was a graduate of St. Paul’s Lutheran High School and Jr. College of Concordia, Missouri.  He graduated from Concordia Lutheran College in Seward, Nebraska with a BA in history and from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

     Joe taught for several years at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin.  He later attended the University of Texas where he received a Masters degree in journalism.  Following that he worked for newspapers in San Antonio, Texas, Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Victoria, Texas.  He used to contribute articles to area newspapers.

     At the time of his death he was employed as a Public Affairs Specialist for the Texas State Teachers Association in Austin.

     Survivors include his mother, Pat Bean of Lamar; two brothers and their wives, Shaun & Sandy Bean and Ron & Tracy Bean, all of Liberal, Missouri; seven nieces; one nephew; and a host of friends

     A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until service time.

      The family requests memorial contributions to Grace Lutheran Church of Lamar or the Seton League House, 3207 Medical Parkway, Austin, TX  78705-1056.  (This is a place where people can stay for a minimal cost while they have family in Austin hospitals.)