The Selma Times-Journal

Richard &8220;Dick&8221; Bean, who worked tirelessly to improve his adopted home of Selma, died Tuesday at his residence. He was 83.

He will be remembered as a kind man, who always shared his love of this community and zeal for work to improve Dallas County for everyone. The new 911 center on Dallas Avenue, which Bean helped to bring about, bears his name.

Bean’s passing will leave a void in many areas. His pastor, the Rev. Edward

E. Eaton of Westwood Baptist Church, said Bean had been their Ready Class Sunday school teacher for more than 20 years.

A memorial service will be held today at Westwood Baptist at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. at the church.

Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman worked closely with Bean, helping to establish addresses where there were none in rural areas for the Enhanced 911 system.

Steve Tidwell, who worked for Bean as the communications chief, said he had known him since he was a young adult involved with scouting.

Tidwell said Bean would be remembered as a man who loved his family, his community, its people, and allowed it to show.

Bean, a native of Iowa, settled in Selma in 1966 after being stationed at Craig Air Force Base. His involvements were many, in addition to his church

Bean served as a volunteer chairman of the board for The American Red Cross, as a member of the Selma City Board of Education, an incorporator of the Old Depot Museum, and taught driver’s education in Dallas County Schools.