Richard "Bean" Youngcourt, Jr. – the man, the myth, the legend – was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He passed from this world following a sudden illness on April 26, 2022.

Born on March 31, 1958 in Honesdale, PA., Bean graduated from Payson High School in Payson, Ariz., in 1976. That same year, Bean enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving for 23 years and rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. The two proudest moments of his life were on Aug. 17, 1983, when he married his best friend, Renee, and shortly thereafter when he adopted Aaron and Tori.

Bean embraced the adage, 'work hard, play hard' and became the life of the party, even when there was no party. He never met a stranger. His gregarious personality and infectious laugh meant he amassed friends wherever he roamed. Respected by his colleagues, cherished by his friends, feared by bowling pins, and a pushover to grandkids, Bean will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Bean was preceded in death by his father, Richard Raymond Youngcourt, Sr. and by his beloved wife, Renee Youngcourt. In fact, a part of Bean died the day Renee died, and his recent departure was simply the rest of him leaving to reunite with her.

Bean is survived by his mother, Paula Anderson, of Payson, AZ; two children, Aaron Youngcourt of Warrensburg, and Satoris "Tori" Howes of Bend, OR; four grandchildren, Matthew and Ryan Culbertson and Rook and Audrey Howes of Bend, OR; three siblings, Norma Cline of Tonto Basin, AZ, Michael Youngcourt of Monroe, CT, and Russell Youngcourt of Payson, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

The family gratefully thanks all of the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who worked so hard to comfort and care for Bean and the family during this difficult time.

Friends and family are welcome to attend the burial services on Tuesday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.

Friends and family are also invited to attend a remembrance for Bean at A Little Off Base, Knob Noster, at 4 p.m., May 10, to tell their favorite Bean story (even the inappropriate ones, as we know there are likely many). Feel free to wear Chiefs attire to the remembrance if you have it, in honor of Bean.