Earnest Dean Jr.

Earnest Dean, Jr., 77, of Naugatuck, WV, went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2025. Born in Holden, WV, on August 13, 1948, he was the son of the late Earnest Dean, Sr., and Gertrude (White) Dean. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dora J. (Davis) Dean; brothers, Willard Lambert and David Dean; and sisters, Aileen Hinkle and Betty Marcum. A retired coal miner, Earnest's true calling was his ministry. He faithfully pastored The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Naugatuck for over 25 years, dedicating his life to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. His faith was the foundation of his life and the message he carried to all. Earnest was a passionate collector, known for his vast assortment of memorabilia-everything from sports cards and comic books to coins, dolls, and hats. His enthusiasm for antique cars and classic vehicles was well known throughout Mingo County and beyond. Many fond memories were made in the garage alongside his sons, his brother Donald Dean, grandsons, and life-long friend, Curtis Collins. Above all, Earnest was a devoted family man. His love, loyalty, and affection for his family were unwavering. He found his greatest joy in his grandchildren, constantly sharing stories and pride in their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. He is survived by his children: sons, Gary Dean and Steven Scott Dean; daughters, Leslie "Lekili" Michell Dean and Crystal Marie (Patrick) Hairston; grandchildren, Kimberly Dobrzynski, Rebecca Crank, Anthony Dean, Sal Dean, Kyla Hairston, Patrick Hairston Jr., and Yoshua Hairston; and great-grandchildren, Jonathon and Riley. He also leaves behind his brothers, Donald Dean and Bobby (Angie) Dean; and sisters, Madeline Marcum, Nyoka Crank, Alice (David) Newsome Maynard, Drema Marcum, and Martha Porter. Visitation will be held at The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Naugatuck (by Tug Valley High School) on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Family visitation begins at 4:00 PM, followed by public visitation from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. A special service will take place at 7:00 PM. Homegoing Service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM at The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ with Rev. Curt Collins officiating. Burial to follow at Jarvis Cemetery at Winco Block. Pallbearers: Gary Dean, Steven Dean, Anthony Dean, Sal Dean, Donald Dean, Patrick Hairston, Patrick Hairston Jr., Yoshua Hairston, R.J. Jones, Allen Davis, and Luke Bartram. Chafin Funeral Home has been honored to serve the Dean family for over 20 years.