Edward Dean

Edward "Lee" Dean of Bayfield, CO passed peacefully from this life into eternal rest on Jan 26, 2015 at the home he loved and shared with his wife Stephanie. Lee was born on Nov 13, 1935 in Elk City, OK. He was first of two sons born to Thomas Jefferson and Lilian Ama (Casady) Dean. On July 3, 1954 Lee married Wanda Sue (Downs) of Hammond, OK. From this union there are three children. Daughters Teena (Allen Haggerty) Dean of Butler, NJ, retiring to Boise, ID & Dorothy Dean of Weymouth, MA. Son Jeff (Kim) Dean of Edmond, OK. After a military career from 1955-1977, Lee retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sargent, E7, ending years of service at Tinker Air Force in Midwest City, OK. Lee moved to Austin, TX, after he and Stephanie (Jones) married December 10, 1983, where they continued to work until retiring and moving to Bayfield, CO, in 2002. He taught her to fly and she introduced him to her love for horses.

Open to all life had to offer, Lee lead a rich life of experiences from world travel with military tours in Alaska (1957-1959), Japan (1960-1963) and Vietnam (1969-1970) to multiple careers from his passion for flying. After acquiring his pilot license at age 16 he flew most of his life as a pilot, instructor, charter, corporate pilot and even learned to fly helicopters in Vietnam, then ending as a topographical pilot for the State of TX. As a weather forecaster in the military, he also briefed jet pilots before their flight missions. His broad knowledge of planes, jets and flying was as extraordinary as his stories he could share. Retiring to Colorado gave him the opportunity to pursue other interests and hobbies he and Stephanie previously enjoyed while there on short vacations. These include the beauty and outdoor life of golfing, fishing, hunting, skiing and trail riding. Lee treasured his family, friends, faith and church, always enjoyed a gathering and making everyone feel welcome. Blessings to all who enriched his life as well.

Lee is survived by his 3 children Teena, Dorothy and Jeff, his adored grandkids Nicholas and Rebecca, and his brother Roger (Betty) Dean and & their children Teresa Dean and Brian (Connie) Dean, all of Mansfield, MO. He is also survived by his wife Stephanie Dean of Bayfield, CO, nieces, nephews, & cousins. Lee was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jeff and Ama Dean. His grandparents John Lee and Eula (Cyphers) Dean & Edward Eugene and Lettie R. (Cook) Casady. Funeral services will be Sat Jan 31 10:30 am at 2011 Bayfield Parkway, Church of Christ, Bayfield, CO officiated by Ray Wallace and Gene Chapin. Interment will be at Pine River Cemetery. All are welcome to join us for a meal to follow at 2011 Bayfield Parkway, Church of Christ Family Building.