Eugene L. Dean

Eugene Lopez Dean beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away on July 16, 2023. Born and raised in El Centro on January 27,1946, California. He was in the US Army-He proudly served his country with Honor, Courage and Commitment. He is survived by his current wife Rosario Dean, his 5 children Eugene Jr., Anna, Brissia, Sandra and Mara, 5 grandchildren Alora, Andrea, Angela, Sadie and Elijah and 6 great-grandchildren Adrienne, Ayla, Ayden, Alakai, Bond and Sawyer.
Eugene Lopez Dean, US Military outline.
He was selected for military service through the draft at age 18. He served in Vietnam at Phu Tai from 1964 -1965 where he operated amphibious transport.
He became an enlisted soldier in 1970.On January 20, 1973, during his tenure at Fort Eustis, he was in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and was tasked with driving senators as part of the motorcade to newly re-elected President Nixon's inauguration.
While stationed in Panama from 1973-1976, he worked aboard the first floating nuclear power station. It was named Sturgis and it supplied electricity to the Panama Canal Zone during the dry seasons. This allowed the canal to continue to operate by conserving vast quantities of water that otherwise would be needed to operate the hydroelectric power station.
Transitioning from the transportation sector he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Here, he was assigned to the medical division.
In 1978, he received a certificate of achievement for his outstanding work at the United States General Leonard Wood Army Hospital. His contributions to Nursing Services where he was praised for upholding the highest traditions of military service and providing superior quality patient care.
He continued his medical training as a field medic which took him to Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, in Washington State, Fort Ord, California, USAG Heidelberg, Germany, and his final post in 1984 at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. In 1986 he transitioned out of the military after 17 years of combined service. Rank E6 Staff Sergeant.