Frank Dean

Franklin Earl "Frank" Dean, 102, of Baker Township, Indiana, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, entered eternal rest on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:26 p.m., in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Frank was born on Wednesday, October 24, 1923, in Monroe County, Indiana to the late Noble Earl and Addie (Cherry) Dean. He began his education in the one-room Pocket Hollow School in Baker Township and graduated from Gosport High School with the Class of 1941.
Quiet by nature, Frank enjoyed attending auctions, playing euchre, working on jigsaw puzzles, mushroom hunting, and watching John Wayne westerns. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and never expected compensation-only to quietly say, "Return the favor someday." He was known by many as a true "Mr. Fix-It."
Shortly after high school, Frank was drafted into the United States military while working for RCA. He served his country honorably and with valor in the Army Air Force as an airplane and engine mechanic from March 19, 1943, until January 19, 1946, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Frank was the oldest living World War II veteran in Morgan County and was honored to attend the Honor Flight for WWII veterans.
Frank was a lifelong farmer in Baker Township, living on the family farm since 1951 and a Baker Township resident for 74 years. He was the oldest member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church in Monroe County, where he proudly served as an elder. He was also a dedicated member of the Farm Bureau, a former 4-H leader, REMC Director, Morgan County Fair Board member and Beef Cattle Association member.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of nearly 79 years, Helen Louise (Hamilton) Dean of Baker Township, Indiana. Frank and Helen were united in marriage on Tuesday, July 22, 1947, at the First Christian Church in Martinsville. He is also survived by his son, Gary Dean (wife, Brandi), and daughter, Susan Hermann (husband, David), all of Martinsville; eleven grandchildren, Brooke and Derrick Dean, Hailey Dean, Alex Hermann (Victoria), Kata Kendall (Brandon), Kola Dean, Miranda Owens (Jake), Brodie Dean, Connor and Carson Fitzpatrick and Addie Dean; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Stephen Ray Dean in 2017; and one sister, Wilma Dean.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Neal & Summers Funeral & Cremation Center. His son, Gary, will officiate and share memories at a service celebrating Frank's life on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Monroe County.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Christian Church Cemetery Fund, 3100 W. Burma Rd., Gosport, IN 47433 or Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Online condolences may be shared with Frank's family at www.nealandsummers.com.