John Allen Dean

Dean, John Allen, passed away at his home in Paris, Kentucky on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the age of 83. He was born in Little Hickman, Jessamine County, Kentucky on September 20, 1942 to the late Homer and Mary Davis Dean. He was the youngest and last surviving child of eleven brothers and sisters.
John is survived by the love of his life of 54 years, Joyce Gilkerson Dean, whom he wed on July 30, 1971. He is also survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Anthony) Brett of Glasgow, Kentucky and Ashley (Aaron) Welsh of Paris, Kentucky. Two grandchildren, Wyatt Dean Welsh and Marlie Marie Welsh of Paris, Kentucky.
He had a long career in the horse industry where he galloped and broke horses for Calumet Farm, Keeneland, C.V. Whitney and many others all over the country. He also retired from the Electrical Department at the University of Kentucky Hospital.
John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, riding and training horses, camping, traveling, playing Rook, pitching horseshoes, hunting and fishing. He wore many hats - Husband, Dad, Brother, Son, Uncle, and was known as 'Chief' to his grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Hanks, Lee Smither, Cliff Kennon, Hugh Wiseman, Aaron Welsh and Anthony Brett. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie & Debbie Sublett, Donna Childers, Sharon Wiseman, Darrell Warner, Sylvia Ratcliff and Jillena Warner.
Visitation will be held October 23, 2025 at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home (Harrodsburg Road) from 11:30 to 1:30. Funeral service will immediately follow with Brother Mike Caudill officiating with a horseman's burial at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens.