Roll Call Tribute

Gerald Murphy Bean

February 9, 1927 - January 21, 2023

Gerald “Jerry” Murphy Bean, 95, of New Ulm, Texas passed away on January 21, 2023 in College Station, Texas. He was born on February 9, 1927 in Livingston, Texas to R B and Ruby (Murphy) Bean.

After graduating from Hempstead High School he began his studies at Texas A&M. Due to World War II, Jerry took off for a year to serve in the US Navy. As the war ended, Jerry returned to Texas A&M, and graduated the Aggie Class of 1947. Jerry worked with his father at the family drug store in Katy, Texas. During this time he earned a Masters degree from the University of Houston. Jerry began a lifelong career with the Upjohn Company in 1952 in Temple, Texas. He was transferred to San Antonio, Texas in 1957 then to Dallas, Texas in 1965, meeting numerous lifelong friends along the way. He eventually retired in 1986.

Jerry met the love of his life, Ora Nell Klump, while attending Texas A&M. They married on September 6, 1947. Jerry and Ora Nell went on to have four children: Gerald W. Bean, Terry Westerman, Paula Mekolik, Alison and husband Wayne Turner. Jerry and Ora Nell were blessed with eight grandchildren: Tricia Moore, Denise and husband Matt Roberson, Amy Westerman, Jenny and husband Rick Trefzer, Chris and wife Kelsey Mekolik, Aaron and wife Katherine Mekolik, Kelli Schroeder, and Stephen and wife Angelia Gerhard. The Bean family has grown exponentially with 12 great grandchildren. Jerry loved spending time with his friends and family, playing golf, hunting, fishing and watching Fighting Texas Aggie sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Wilma and Dorrace and son-in-law Lewis Westerman.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas with Pastor Ivy Schulz officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at church.

Burial will be in New Ulm Cemetery in New Ulm, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, Jerry would have appreciated a donation to the charity of your choice or Saint John's Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1270, New Ulm, TX 78950.