Family, heritage, community and state were concepts that embodied the life of Cullen Robert Lester Bean. Married to Virginia L. Cook, on February 6, 1953, the love of his life for 56 years and the father of three children, Cullen, also known as “Cud” by those close to him, did everything with intent to better the life of his family.

He was the youngest of six brothers and sisters, and the son of Pearl Ross and Mack Jones Bean. Growing up in the small family town of Stilwell, Oklahoma, born July 13, 1932, Cullen learned the importance of heritage and community which would later drive his path in life.

After graduating from high school in 1951, Cullen immediately sought to serve our nation’s calling by enlisting in the Air Force and deploying in support of the combat operation during the Korean War. Upon return from the Korean Peninsula, Sergeant Bean honorably completed his obligation to our nation and then turned to his community. Cullen joined the Muskogee Police Department transitioning his professional military training as an Air Force Special Policeman to a K-9 police officer and homicide detective. He went on to be the Chief Investigator for the District Attorney of Wagoner, Adair, Cherokee and Sequoyah counties. A steward of his law enforcement profession, Cullen never stopped learning; he actively sought out and continued his education in criminal justice through Bacone Indian College and Northeastern State University.

Cullen also understood that the community by which raised him could not be preserved without an act of citizen participation. He was politically active in supporting various local and state government officials throughout Oklahoma. He knew the importance of building fellowship through organizations that actively represented his values of duty, honor and selfless service to all; American Legion, VFW, the Elks Club, the Shriners and the Masons. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Tahlequah. He was a supporter and friend to the Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity of NSU.

During his time of retirement Cullen and Virginia owned and operated Tahlequah Floats for 20 years. This endeavor was far more than a way to maintain a quality of life but opportunity to focus on his family. This passion for service and professionalism has become a legacy that is reflected in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter and two sons. Marla and her husband Phil of Tahlequah, Cullen (Bobby) and wife Joyce of Houston, TX and Michael and wife Marcy of Bartlesville, OK. His legacy includes nine grandchildren, Michele, Bryan, Phillip, Brandy, Scott, Matthew, Kimberly, Rory and Autumn, and 16 great grandchildren.

A husband, father, grandfather and friend, Cullen Robert Bean lived his life with the understanding that he needed to ensure that his contribution to his family and community outweighed those of his own. He lived a full humble life of giving of himself and making a difference for the better to those around him. The number of memories and relationships built either on the side of Illinois River or in the community have shaped hundreds of lives from those that he met once to those that he knew since his childhood.

He is loved by and will be missed by a great many people. Cullen went to reside with Virginia in heaven on the 21st of December 2014.