Okay,

I have been away from the world of auto mechanics for many, many years.

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar van that the driver's side front tire was replaced because the tire that was mounted was losing air.

The replacement tire seems to be causing a loud roaring noise in the van's cabin as it picks up speed. Also, I can feel vibration through the steering column and onto the steering wheel.

Am I going nuts or can a tire actually do that? Normally, I would suspect the wheel bearing to be bad, but both front bearings were replaced a year ago.

Sounds to me like you got a bad tire, Don.
Swap it to the other side and tell me if the noise changes with the move.