Throughout his career, Albert C. “Ace” Bean, Jr., 91, was instrumental in steering Kansas City-based Tnemec Company on the path to becoming one of the largest privately held companies in North America specializing in industrial and architectural coatings. Bean died on Jan. 23, at his home in Kansas City.
"Ace Bean guided our company during a career that spanned more than 66 years during which time he instilled the Tnemec spirit in several generations of employees and sales representatives,” acknowledged company President and CEO Pete Cortelyou. “To all, he was a gentleman, known for his integrity and compassion.”
A lifelong resident of Kansas City, Ace Bean was born on July 12, 1921, which is the same year his father, Albert C. Bean, Sr., incorporated Tnemec Company. Ace Bean attended Bryant Grade School and Southwest High School in Kansas City and graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., with a bachelor’s degree in government. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and served on a destroyer operating in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
In 1956, Ace Bean was named company president and in 1964 he became chairman of the board, remaining active in that position until 2006 when he became Chairman Emeritus. He was a past member of the board of directors of National Paint and Coatings Association, which became the American Coatings Association in 2010. In 1998, he was named recipient of the Industry Statesman Award.
Throughout his career, Ace Bean held a firm commitment to Tnemec Company’s guiding belief in providing its customers with innovative coatings formulated specifically for extreme durability, enduring performance and enhanced aesthetics. He was equally dedicated to backing Tnemec’s product line with outstanding technical support provided by the most knowledgeable sales representatives in the coatings industry. This belief in product quality and customer support helped Ace Bean build Tnemec Company’s international reputation for excellence among specifiers, architects, owners, engineers and contractors.
Bean is survived by his wife, Molly; his son, Albert C. Bean III of Daytona Beach, FL; his daughter, Melanie Bean of New York City; his daughter, Kimbrough Higgins and husband Dr. Ted Higgins of Mission Hills, KS; grandchildren Chase Bean, Rachel Owen, David R. Bean II, Eddie Higgins, Maggie Higgins, Becca Higgins, Helen Higgins, Dylan C. Bean, and four great-grandchildren.