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Dean Plummer Obituary
Dean Plummer, our beloved husband, dad, and best grandpa ever, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, after living with Parkinson's Disease for many years. He was born May 28, 1932, to George and Rose Plummer in Grand Rapids.
Dean graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. With the help of the GI Bill, Dean attended Adrian College where he met his true love, Barbara Korr. The two were married on August 5, 1961. The 64 years they shared together proved a true testament to their love for each other.
After college, Dean and Barbara moved to Midland where he took a teaching job with Midland Public Schools. It was there that he touched the lives of many.
After his retirement in 1995, Dean started an 11-year restoration project of an antique wooden boat. He and Barbara travelled around Michigan and entered numerous competitions and brought home several awards.
As a family, they had many adventures, traveling the United States, mushroom picking, and lots of camping. The greatest adventures of all were the times spent at their cottage on Grand Lake, where so many memories were made with their grandchildren.
Even though he was retired, one of Dean's favorite "jobs" was as Santa at the downtown Midland Santa House. He was perfect for the role and would give his grandchildren their own "private" Santa House and reindeer visits.
Those that knew Dean, knew he had the gift of storytelling. He had many stories that you may have heard once or even five times. Dean never tired of telling them and no one tired of hearing them.
Dean is survived by his wife, Barbara Plummer; children, Erin (Rick) Chatterton and Brant (Lisa) Plummer; grandchildren, Catherine (Richard), Meredith, Brandon, Haleigh, and Mackenzie; great grandchildren, Charlotte and Harrison; and special friend from Seasons, Bucky.
The Funeral Liturgy for Dean will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3109 Swede Avenue, with Father Rob Howe officiating. Dean's family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Seasons Adult Day Health Services. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Plummer family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Plummer
Haskell Shelton
November 23, 2025
I literally was telling my daughter the other day that this man believed in me and told me I was a good public speaker. I never doubted that I wasn´t a good one after taking his speech class at Central. I am sorry to hear of his passing and grateful to have known a wonderful man
S. Pentkowski
November 5, 2025
Mr. Plummer was our vice principle in junior high school . Such a difficult job that he did very well . Thank you for guiding us through these difficult years.
Anne Bark
October 29, 2025
Mr. Plummer was my speech & debate teacher at Central Intermediate in 7th & 8th grades. I have thought of him over the years & credit him with one of the
best gifts a teacher could impart to a young student: if you know your subject & approach it in an organized way there is nothing to fear about public speaking, formal or informal. He was an inspiration and a genuinely nice man. Bless him.
Sheri Zimmerman
October 23, 2025
Today I say goodbye to one of my favorite people. He has taught so many of us to believe in the magic...the magic of friendship, of hope and of love. I am truly honored to have shared in his life, this has been a gift that my heart will forever hold. I love you Santa, may you rest in peace knowing you have touched the lives of so many people, both young and old, and made everyone´s lives brighter.
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Joe Black
October 23, 2025
Mr Plummer was a great Vice Principal at Central when I was there two years in the 1970s. May he rest in peace.
Ray and Penny Novarro
October 23, 2025
Barbara....and family,
It has been many years but we have good memories! Sending thoughts of sympathy to you all.
Beth (Yarrington) VonHinken
October 22, 2025
To all the family & friends - my thoughts, prayers & extra hugs are with each of you. I knew Mr. Plummer from Central Intermediate & also when he was "Santa". He was always a well liked & wonderful man. My mother, Norah (Supinger) Yarrington always loved him stopping in to the cafeteria to say hi to everyone. He always had a smile on his face. I'm sure he will be missed & loved forever.
Denise Spencer
October 22, 2025
I knew Dean as a Santa; he was a sweet man who loved children. Prayers lifted for peace for all who loved him. I´m so sorry to hear of his passing.
Joan Prewozniak Rickard
October 22, 2025
Mr. Plummer was an insperation that has lasted my lifetime. Debate and drama classes were my favorite. Bringing my daughter to see "Santa" was so much fun. After asking her if she had been a good girl he would then with a knowing look would ask her if her mommy and daddy had been good. My sympathy to Mrs. Plummer and hisfamily. He was a good man.
Sue (Dornbos) Balcirak
October 21, 2025
Mr. Plummer was my speech teacher in 7th grade (I think) at Central Intermediate, maybe 1864/1965.
I was terribly shy, but somehow he made his class feel safe. His teaching allowed me to gain much needed confidence. I am so blessed to have had Mr. Plummer as a teacher.
I´m sorry for this loss in your family.
Jesse LaBonville
October 21, 2025
Dean was such a kind and gentle soul! I and Staff at Seasons admired him so much!! Dean had so many stories to tell and was such an inspiration to us all! It was a pleasure to get to know him and hear the many hunting stories he shared with me. Thank you Barb for sharing Dean with us. He will be missed very much Jesse LaBonville
Linda Bateson
October 21, 2025
Dean and Barb were great Scott Street neighbors! Friendly and fun loving with Dean´s many stories to tell! May you find peace. The NC and CA Batesons
Joe Wallace
October 20, 2025
So sorry for your loss I was a custodian at Central he always had a smile on his face don´t ever remember him being in a bad mood.
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