DONALD C. DEAN

May 16, 1927 ~ December 22, 2010

Donald Carl Dean a longtime Atwater resident, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2010 with his loving family by his side. Don was born May 16, 1927 in Cuba, Missouri to Carl and Maude Dean. He retired from Pacific Gas & Electric where he worked as an Equipment Operator. Don was a member of the IBEW Union and a former Teamster. He proudly served his Country in the US Army from 1945-1950. He served in both Korea and Germany. Don continued his service as a member of the VFW Post 9946 and was their Chaplain for 4 years. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Disabled Veterans of American and the Merced County Honor Guard.

Among his many interests, Don loved vintage cars and was a past member of the Merced Car Club and the Valley Vintage Car Club. He was also a member of the Order of the Cooties. Don was a man of the Christian faith, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed raising his birds and fish and would tell his wife every morning "I'm going out to feed the livestock."

Don is survived by his wife Jeanette B. Dean, his children Donna Mae Puette of TX, Linda Ruminer of Tulare, Sheri Henry of Modesto, Carolyn Gibson of AR, William Dean of OR, Donna Tywater of Modesto, Teri Lenz of Atwater, Andrew Dean of Merced, Rodney Dean of AZ, Donald Dean, Jr. of TX, Shalett Prindle of Atwater and Jonathan Mudgett of Delhi. He is also survived by his siblings Robert Dean and Louise Thompson of Modesto and Gladys Braden of Bakersfield. He leaves to cherish his memory 28 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and numerous great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Eva Dean in 1998.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 from 2-6pm at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 Winton Way, Atwater CA 95301. Funeral Services will take place on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 10am also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine.