For many years, when Nevada Day rolled around in Carson City, Bobby Bean was somewhere behind the scenes—answering questions, solving problems, bringing people together and helping make one of Nevada’s most beloved traditions happen.
Bobby passed away unexpectedly on December 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the parade route.
To his daughter, Mindy Henley, however, his legacy begins much closer to home.
Bobby was very kind, hardworking, and loving. “He was a great man, an amazing father—and most importantly, an awesome grandfather,” Mindy says.
She has countless memories of growing up alongside her dad and being by his side during Nevada Day. While the community knew Bobby for his dedication and service, Mindy knew the man behind it all—the father and grandfather whose family remained at the center of his life.
Bobby was also a familiar face throughout Carson City. He spent more than 20 years as an American Family Insurance agent, building relationships throughout the community he loved. Between his work, his commitment to Nevada Day and his many community responsibilities, Bobby was incredibly busy. But Mindy remembers that he still made time for his family.
Bobby began as a volunteer and board member and eventually became president of Nevada Day, helping guide the organization and the parade for many years. During his leadership, he brought structure, experience and a desire to continually make Nevada Day better.
According to Mindy, much of what motivated him was remarkably simple: he loved people.
“He just had the best time trying to organize the parade and coming together with everybody,” she remembers. “It just worked. It came together so smoothly.”
For Bobby, successfully bringing Nevada Day together each year was a source of pride—not because he needed recognition, but because it was another opportunity to serve Carson City.
Even after stepping away from the presidency, Bobby never really left Nevada Day. People continued to call.
What would you do? What do you think? How should we handle this?
After so many years of involvement, Bobby had become something of a living history book for the organization. He understood how the parade had evolved, why things were done certain ways and how challenges had been solved in years past. His knowledge—and his willingness to share it—remained invaluable.
That makes Nevada Day 2026 especially meaningful. It is the first parade since Bobby’s passing, and those who worked alongside him feel the absence of the man they so often turned to for guidance.
But Bobby Bean will still be part of this Nevada Day.
He will be there in the traditions he helped strengthen, the relationships he built, in the organization he helped shape with the people carrying that work forward — including his daughter Mindy, who today welcomes visitors to the Nevada Day Gift Shop and helps support the celebration her father loved so much.
Bobby spent years helping Carson City celebrate Nevada. This year, Nevada Day celebrates him.
Did you know this year the theme for the Nevada Day Parade is Pumpkins, Pioneers and Tale Tales?
As we gear up to the Day of Days, we’ll be sharing some of the stories that will be appearing in the official Nevada Day Magazine, which will be handed out for free along the parade route day of!
As a reminder, because Nevada Day falls on its true birthday this year (October 31), Trick-or-Treating will be held Friday, October 30 in Carson City.
