Darnell Lindsey "Danny" Dean

Darnell Lindsey "Danny" Dean was born February 24, 1956, in New Your City, New York and raised by loving parents, John and Mary Dean in Muskegon Heights, MI where Danny attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools and was a member of the graduating class of 1974. Following graduation, Danny attended Baker College to pursue a career in Drafting. In 1974 he enlisted in the United States Army graduating at the top of his class as a sharpshooter. He served in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. While enlisted he continued his education and graduated with a degree in Architectural Engineering. As an Engineer he worked "deep" within the Pentagon having obtained a top-level security clearance. The bond he formed with three fellow servicemen, Jerry Diggs, Herb Ruffin, and Conrad Robinson, was unbreakable. He treasured the comradery they shared and remained lifelong friends. Danny is also a former employee of Brooks Correctional Facility as a Warehouse Technician. He took his job very serious and poured into the lives of the men he encountered by sharing words of encouragement and wisdom.
On May 15, 2010, Danny married the love of his life, Patricia Sims. He took his role as husband very serious and fully embraced the marital principal of selfless, unconditional love. The couple shared 14 years, and many, many fond memories together. Darnell loved the Lord and attended Zion Tabernacle House of God under the leadership of Bishop David Wimbley. He also loved his family, his grandchildren, and shared a very special relationship with his mother-in-law, Martha Sims. He was a very positive person that believed in lifting people up opposed to putting them down. If he couldn't speak well of someone, he'd simply remain quiet. He was witty and had a great sense of humor. He could easily lighten the mood of a room. He was a Mason and participated within the organization for more than 20 years. In his leisure he enjoyed carpentry, baking cakes (he had an immense sweet tooth), and the University of Michigan Football (he was an avid supporter of the team and just may have been their #1 fan!) He passed away Monday, October 1, 2024, following a valiant battle for his health. Throughout his illness he maintained a positive attitude, which was at the core of who he was as a person. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Dean; Children, Onnica Wells, Darese Sims and Shangna (Branden) Sims-Dunn; siblings, Larry Dean of California, Pamela (Julius) Henderson and Felicia Holliman, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Nichelle Watts of Philadelphia; fifteen grandchildren; a special sister-in-law, Marcia Dean; special friends, Kenneth Mitchell, Sam Booker and David Glover, and a host of nephews, nieces, including three special nieces, Lonnie Lockheart, Davalon Dean and Nicole Moore; a special cousin, Pamela Golden, who stayed in constant contact no matter what!, and many additional family members and friends, all who knew the special place they held in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Beverly and Carl James, John Dean, Jr., and Kevin Toliver.
FUNERAL SERVICE will be 12 PM on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the Zion Tabernacle House of God (1282 Fourth St., Muskegon, MI 49441) and VISITATION with the family at 11 AM. INTERMENT will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442). To share special memories with the family, please visit www.sytsemafh.com.