Russ was born July 2, 1933 in Spring Arbor, Michigan and spent his youth in Michigan, growing up on a farm outside Nashville until his family moved to Battle Creek when he was 11. He attended Battle Creek Central High School, where he played intramural sports, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and worked part time at the A&P.

After graduating from high school, he worked at the Kellogg Company cereal factory. While working at the factory, Russ was drafted, and entered the U.S. Army, and served during the Korean War (1953-55).

While stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he met Orda Mae (Mae) Lighty. They were married in 1954. Upon discharge from the army, they moved to Michigan where Russ resumed working at the Kellogg factory.

While working at the factory, and with the aid of the GI Bill, Russ took his first college courses at Battle Creek Community College. He and Mae moved back to Colorado where he continued his education at Colorado College, graduating in August 1959 with a Bachelors Degree in Business and Banking.

After graduation, the family moved to Denver, Colorado where Russ worked for the CPA firm Alexander J. Lindsey and Company. He continued his education at The University of Denver, completing a Masters degree in Accounting in December 1960. He became a licensed CPA and worked at The Martin Company for several years before starting his own CPA firm.

Russ was a strong believer in the importance of education. His professional career was a balance between his love and passion for education, and especially teaching, and building his own CPA firm.

In 1967, Russ joined the full-time faculty at The University of Denver and entered the doctoral program in accounting at The University of Colorado (Boulder). Over the next few years, Russ taught at The University of Colorado (Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs) and Regis University, before completing his PhD in Accounting in 1974.

In 1970, Russ took a full-time teaching position in the Accounting Department of the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Teaching was his true passion and he always felt a connection to the school and its students. He especially enjoyed helping his students succeed both personally and professionally. He also completed the designation CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and published numerous accounting articles.

In 1971, the family moved to Castle Rock, Colorado where they have resided for over 50 years.

Russ retired from teaching in 1992 and retired completely in 1995 after selling the CPA firm.

Russ and Mae travelled extensively both before and after retirement including all 50 states, almost all of Canada, 54 foreign countries, and every continent except Antartica.

Russ was an avid golfer, flower gardener, reader (combining his love of travel and history), sports enthusiast, and enjoyed ballroom dancing with Mae at least once a week for over 40 years.

Russ is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mae; daughters, Valerie (Colin) Claus, Julie (John) Dutton, Robin Bean (Brad Bonnema); two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Lucy, sisters Marion Downing and Thelma, and brothers Arthur (Jane), Rex (Margaret) and George (Daisy).

A private graveside service was held on June 24, 2026.

Donations in honor of Russell D. Bean may be made to:

Russell D. Bean Endowed Scholarship in Accounting Metropolitan State University of Denver

https://www.msudenver.edu/giving/give/

Gift Details: Other designation - Comment: “3BEAN – Russell D. Bean Endowed Scholarship”

Or Warren Village Learning Center 1323 Gilpin Street Denver, Colorado 80218-2552 https://warrenvillage.org/donate/