"Southern Missouri lost a great statesman, and a great gentleman, last week when Missouri Representative Ott Bean, from Peach Orchard, passed away.

Ott was unique in the world of politics. He had respect for his opponent and adhered to the issues that he felt mattered to the people he represented so well in Jefferson City. He had an open mind, but a mind that was also quick and principled.

Ott was also unique in the world of public service. He had a friendly word and a smile for everyone he met. Most admirably, Ott Bean acted the same way whether he was at home in the Bootheel or striding the halls in the state Capitol.

In this age of partisan politics and biting rhetoric, Ott’s outlook was fresh, thoughtful, and philosophically pure.

This is what he told the Daily Dunklin Democrat in an article about his retirement from the state legislature: "I think I provided bi-partisan representation for the folks of my district. It didn’t make any difference what my party wanted. If it was not good for my district, I wouldn’t vote for it. Even though I was kind of scowled at by my colleagues sometimes, I voted in favor of my constituents, and I never distinguished between Democrats and Republicans. I told my sons, Barry and Jason, that if a legislator, federal or state, is asked for help by a constituent, and that legislator asks, ‘Are you a Democrat or a Republican?’ he should resign right there. That shouldn’t make any difference, and it never made any difference to me. I was politically blind."

For a man who claimed to be politically blind, Ott Bean had great vision.

It is difficult to be blind to politics as an elected official, but at the same time to rely upon politics when the election approaches. Ott handled this challenge with ease. There are a lot more criteria to identify us in Southern Missouri than what political party we vote with. We are all from the same places, we all believe in a similar ideal way of life, we all pride ourselves on being good neighbors and (even though we have our favorites) we all love a good barbecue. Ott’s outlook accounted for all of the commonalities in us and dismissed most of the differences.

Ott saw the good in people; he saw the potential in Southern Missouri. Countless times he accompanied me to forums and roundtables, on Farm Tours and at field hearings. Even more often, he and his wife, Janet, invited me into their home. Ott often shared his good counsel with me, and he shared it with Bill Emerson, too.

Every public servant should aspire to the ideals of service Ott Bean proved to us. He was a gentleman statesman, with the manners of a prince and the gentleness of Santa Claus. He was thoughtful and smart, but his wise words were wisely chosen. In any room full of politicians, Ott stood out as the one who was not. To Ott, on the other hand, he was just doing the best he could, working hard and worthy of little note. He was as humble as pie.

I am proud to call him a friend and an inspiration.

The best way to remember Ott, who would not have wanted any fuss over his passing, is to take to heart his example. Sure, he is gone, and we are the poorer for it. Yet he is with us, with Southern Missouri, and his memory will endure.

Thank you, Ott Bean, for your years of service and for the strong legacy you leave in our care."