O'Dean Thomas Fosdick

O'Dean Thomas Fosdick, affectionately known as Dean, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in Washington, after a courageous battle with dementia. Born on November 6, 1933, in Canada, Dean's journey through life was marked by dedication, adventure, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

Dean's life was a testament to service and commitment. His military career began the day he turned 18, enlisting in the US Navy on November 6, 1951. His naval service commenced at boot camp in San Diego, CA, on January 2, 1951. His early days in the Navy saw him at Treasure Island and then Guam from April 15, 1951, to October 25, 1952. He briefly returned to San Francisco, CA, on November 6, 1952, before moving to Tongue Point in Astoria, Oregon, where he was discharged on September 3, 1954. Displaying an unyielding dedication to his country, Dean reenlisted on November 1, 1954, and reported to the USS DeHaven DD 727 on November 17, 1954. His travels with the Navy took him to a host of places, including Kobe, Yokosuka, Kure, Guam, Iwo Jima, Honolulu, Korea, Manila, Pearl Harbor, Midway, and Enewetak. After 20 years of distinguished service, Dean retired from the Navy in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of honor and bravery.

Dean will be fondly remembered as a wise, generous, and thoughtful man. His wisdom was a guiding light for his family, friends, and colleagues, while his generosity knew no bounds. Dean's thoughtfulness could be seen in the way he engaged with the world, always considering the needs and feelings of others.

He is survived by his devoted sons Dean Fosdick Jr., Larry Fosdick (wife Wendy), and Garry Fosdick (wife Donna), along with his stepsons Duane and Walter Ratcliff (wife Blanca). Dean was predeceased by his daughter, the late Vallanie Lynn Oerley, but his memory lives on through his stepdaughter, Raine Ratcliff Escobedo (husband Manny). Each of them carry forward a piece of Dean's enduring legacy.

Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Hortencia Bustos Fosdick; his brother, Ronald, and sister, Charlotte; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin O'Dean Fosdick; and his grandparents, Adolph and Maime Faulk. He is survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dean's departure leaves a void in the lives of those he touched, yet his influence remains undeniable. His was a life lived with purpose, a narrative of a man who stood steadfast in the face of life's challenges. As we bid farewell to O'Dean Thomas Fosdick, we celebrate the extraordinary life he led and the indelible mark he left on this world.

His story will be told for generations, a tale of a man who served his country with pride and loved his family with all his heart. Though he may be gone, Dean's memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, O'Dean Thomas Fosdick; your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all.

Public visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be at Assumption Cemetery.