G. Merlin Bean, 87, of Teton, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at his home of natural causes. He was born December 22, 1921 in Teton City, Idaho to Lee Addison and Edith Caroline Siddoway Bean. He attended elementary school in Newdale and Teton City, and graduated from Madison High School.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1942. He served in the Army 12th Armored Division, 714th Tank Battalion, "The Hellcats". He fought in the European Theater during World War II.

He married Norma Smith on September 14, 1945 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They made their home in Teton. She passed away on May 28, 2003.

He was an active member of the Teton First Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was a farmer and farmed in the Teton area until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Upper Valley Wranglers Riding Club from 1947 to 1950. He served as mayor of Teton City from 1972 to 1976.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth (Connie) Bean, Keith (Dana) Bean, Diane (Roger) Nafus; siblings, Elizabeth Fiedler, Russell (Margaret) Bean; 8 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Norma, brothers Doug and Lee and sisters Helen and Miriam.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, at the Teton LDS Chapel with Bishop Blair Poulsen officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Monday from 12:00 noon until 12:45 p.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will be in the Teton-Newdale Cemetery with military rites. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.