Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Stephen Ray Dean

1970 - 2016

BORN

1970

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Thompson Harveson & Cole Funeral Home & Crematory

4350 River Oaks Blvd

Fort Worth, Texas

Stephen Dean Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Stephen Ray Dean
Start: 2016-12-27T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Orlinda Baptist Church.

Stephen Ray Dean

Fort Worth, TX

Stephen Ray Dean, 46, died in a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. Celebration of life services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Orlinda Baptist Church.

Stephen lived in Fort Worth for 20 years, 13 of which were shared with his significant other, Candie Bedison. Stephen graduated from Belmont University in 1993, served three years as a "journeyman" missionary in Japan, and received a Master's of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary in 2001. He worked several years among generous friends at Flash Photography. He will always be remembered for a joyful spirit that loved God and loved people.

Survivors: His parents, Rev. Dr. David R. and Carolyn Dean of Springfield, Tenn.; brothers, Michael (Michelle) of Framingham, Mass., Timothy (Julia) of Ithaca, N.Y.; and many extended family members.

The Deans share their sadness with the Bedison and Patterson families who welcomed him into their lives, travels, and hearts. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be designated to Orlinda Baptist Church, PO Box 7, Orlinda, TN 37141, Missions Christmas Offering.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tennessean from Dec. 24 to Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Dean

Sponsored by Thompson Harveson & Cole Funeral Home & Crematory.

31 Entries

James Hughes

September 18, 2017

Stephen was a great influence on my and my brothers when we were very young. Having a honorable man like that in your life, at such a young age is something you don't easily forget. It makes and my family, very sad to know he passed so early. He was such a great influence on our Japanese Church for so many years. He truly helped out so many people and inspired faith everywhere he went. This world is less bright without him. He is with God now, thank you so much for everything you did Stephen. You are missed, so much. - The Hughes Family

Kim Philippi

February 15, 2017

I am so sad to hear of Stephen's passing. I overlapped with him 3 years at Belmont, and he may have been the most vibrant, joyful, engaging person on campus -- always wanting to show God's love to others. It's so hard to imagine his vitality on earth was cut short. My sincere condolences to his family. To his parents, you raised a wonderful son who was truly a light.

Debbie Bunn

January 17, 2017

I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Dean. I talked to him on the phone the week before and corresponded with him through e-mail while making an appointment to have my sons graduation pictures redone. He happened to notice my unusual e-mail address and asked me about it, we realized in talking that we both had spent time living in Japan. He told me how much he loved Japan and the Japanese people and how he really wanted to go back and visit so he could see all the people and places he wasn't able to see the time he was there before. He seemed to be a very sweet and kind person and genuinely seemed interested in my families experience in Japan. He said if I was able to come to the appointment with my son he would love to talk about Japan with us. Unfortunately we never did get the chance to meet him or talk to him in person. There was just something about him, I never met him but I found myself telling my husband and friends what a sweet man he was and how I looked forward to talking to him about Japan and I knew my son would love to hear about his time there too. I guess I really just want to say I knew him for a moment in time but he left an impression on us. He must have been an amazing person.
God Bless his family and friends and co workers who all loved him.

Debbie Bunn

Simon Wu

December 27, 2016

I remember the very first time I met the Dean family at their house in Framingham, MA in December 1989, a few weeks after I arrived from Shanghai, China, getting ready to be enrolled at Belmont. I overlapped with Stephen for three years at Belmont, and always appreciated his cheerful demeanor. My condolences to the Dean family. Stephen will be greatly missed.

Simon Wu

December 27, 2016

I remember the very first time I met the Dean family at their house in Massachusetts in December 1989, a few weeks after I arrived from Shanghai, China, getting ready to be enrolled at Belmont. I overlapped with Stephen for about three years at Belmont, and always appreciated his cheerful demeanor. My condolences to the entire Dean family. Stephen will be greatly missed.

December 24, 2016

Mr. Dean was loved by all of the students at TCU. His spirit and fun loving attitude will be missed by any student who interacted with him at events where he took photos. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.

David & CAROLYN Dean

December 19, 2016

Dear Stephen,

How we miss you. So sorry we did not get to Texas at Thanksgiving.
We were amazed at the outpouring of love for you in Ft. Worth. So many friends came to tell us how much they will miss you. All the Flash Gang and your cronies from Dutch's were all so kind. We really had no idea how many lives you touched. We loved getting to know Candie's family and understand why you loved them so much.

We will gather again December 27 to celebrate your life at Orlinda Baptist Church. Wish you could be there. You would have a good time, as usual. But we know you are busy exploring heaven. We will join you there in the blink of an eye. I am so glad you did not have to suffer. Your departure from this life was far to soon for all who loved you. We will never forget your love for God, family and so many friends. Thank you for bringing so much joy to all of us.

Love, Mom and Dad in Tennessee

Pratt & Rita Dean

December 15, 2016

Stephen brought his happy disposition to our missionary team in Nagasaki, Japan, 1993-95. He was a bridge builder for the Gospel of our Lord with his warm and genuine focus on people. If there was something negative he tagged it a "bummer" and moved on quickly. We met friends from his college who came to visit and especially enjoyed the time his parents, David and Carolyn Dean, came. Stephen's continuing interest in Japanese while at seminary led to our visiting with him in Ft. Worth and sharing with a ministry outreach to Japanese he was involved with near campus. Our hearts go out with a prayer for comfort to David and Carolyn and the dear loved ones we have not had opportunity to meet. We add Stephen to the growing number of brothers and sisters in Christ who as they leave us enlarge our understanding of the exciting variety of those who populate Heaven because they personally look to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

December 14, 2016

To the Dean Family

Mom and I are truly saddened by ne passing of Stephen for you Dr Dean Mama Carolyn ,Timand Mike , are very special people to us and you all will always be cause we feel like that you're a part of our immediate. Family,cause you all were here and help Mama Z during my fathers run with cancer and that meant a whole to my mom and to. The rest of the Zuschlag family,We will truly miss Steven he was a compassionate,loving,sincere young man,may God throw his ever loving arms around you all at this difficult time but,I I know he will and
He will protect you and give you all the strength that you need to to go on, We will keep you all in our daily. Prayers ,and if ever need someone to listen or pray with don't hesitate to call us .love you all

Kathryn & Debbie. Zuschlag
& Family

Debbie Wohler

December 13, 2016

Dear Dean Family,

I have been traveling and had poor internet connection. I just saw the news about Stephen on Annie's Link.

My heart is broken and I know yours is even more.

When the Dean family were at FBC Fairfield, it was a wonderful time of joy and spiritual growth in my life. You all were down to earth, fun, and I could ask questions. I know I had a lot of questions! LOL!

I remember babysitting your boys one night. We had such a fun time together. As the pastor and janitor's kids we all knew every square inch of that building.

It made my heart glad that David and the boys are speaking at the funeral. I did this at my Mom's funeral It was the hardest thing I have ever done but doing the right thing is always the hard thing. I suspect David will have a poem.

My heart is heavy. My only consolation is the knowledge and assurance that he is with Jesus. I do not really think our earthly minds can comprehend the greatness and reality of all that means. All I am confident of is that we have a loving God who welcomes His beloved Son Stephen into His arms. I can picture Stephen at the throne of grace singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy!"

Please know of my love and prayers.
Love,
Debbie Wohler

Larry & MaryAlice Stembridge

December 13, 2016

Our family offers prayers that God will give you comfort and strength.

With deepest sympathy,

December 13, 2016

David and Carolyn, Maryann's and my heart is so heavy at the loss of Stephen. We remember him from many years ago when we met him while we were working with Songer in Waycross. I have especially fond memories of leading the music at the New England Convention at your invitation some 35 years ago. We are bathing your entire family with our prayers.

Lori Caldwell

December 13, 2016

To the family,

I have been following the accident through the news and internet. I didn't know Mr. Dean, but I am heartbroken for his family. May God Bless you in the days to come.

Lori

Michele Cape

December 13, 2016

I have worked with Stephen for years in a job that is repetitive but important.

Those of use that are good at our jobs know the small moments for us, the work the wanting to go home the preparation for it...it's all worth it, because it's important to those we photograph, important to those who love them.

I worked with Stephen for years, I dropped off equipment Saturday before last and spoke with him...joking about all the years we'd come to Erwin center and the repletion of it...but still caring about our job.

Caring about people's memories makes you a good photographer in this work...caring about your coworkers makes you a good friend. As the years go by, your co-workers are what your remember. They become friends...people you catch up with for several days a year but they are what you look forward to seeing and what gets you though those long, long days.

My husband & I worked with Stephen for many years...we did not know him in the day to day, but he was a good man. Co-worker, friend...I am so glad we got to see him this season...I don't think another season will pass where I don't think about him or 'wonder what he's upto' like all of the people in this weird photography family.

My heart feels heavy...I cannot make it tomorrow as I have a graduation in San Antonio...Words and feelings fail me...I wish I had something beautiful to say. He mad my job better. His collection of multiple cups (it seemed like he always had 3) made me laugh.

My thoughts are with those effected by this tragedy. He will be missed.

Look for a book by Benjamin Knox, inside the cover you'll find a caricature of Stephen by the Artist. We spoke to him at a graduation fair and Stephen loved his art. Upon his invitation we went to his gallery on the way out of town and spoke with the artist about his work. Stephen wanted to buy a book and Ben did a drawing of him in the cover. He really liked that place...an old train station rebuilt into a gallery. It really was quite beautiful.

Like anyone else, I could see work wore on him, but he didn't let it get him down. It is nice to have a memory of him outside of work appreciating and seeing his enthusiasm outside of our profession.

Kristi Temples Chan

December 13, 2016

Dear Dr and Mrs Dean -

I was very sorry to hear the news of Stephen's death. We were good friends during our college, journeyman and seminary years. His love for God and people was certainly contagious. I will never forget him.

(Not sure if you remember me - I am Ron McGee's niece and we were in his wedding together when we were six. )

Praying for God's comfort and peace for you and the rest of the family.

Krisztina Legradi

December 13, 2016

Please accept our condolences - we are sad to hear your loss. We were amongst the many Stephen ministered at TCU. He was a wonderful friend and great servant of God, a person you cannot forget because of his deep love for people.

Cathie Groom Smith

December 12, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. He was a very special part of my seminary days. He loved people and loved God so much and was one of the most evangelist persons I had ever met. My deepest condolences.

Ellen Edmonds

December 12, 2016

Tim and Julie,
We were saddened to hear of your unexpected loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know your faith and cherished memories of Stephen will bring you strength.

We miss you and remember with fondness your ministering.

Regards,
Alan, Alex, and Ellen Edmonds and Cameron Raley

Scott Greenlee

December 12, 2016

My wife (Kay) owns Dutch's Hamburgers and Stephen, to say the least, was a regular customer. He was there daily with a smile and mug with ice and water. I work in West Texas and would only come home once a month. He was always there to greet me and wanted to hear my stories of life in the oilfield. He really liked the pictures I'd take and even asked for copies of a few of them. He was the kindest person I've ever known and I'm going to miss him. The entire Dutch's staff is devastated and they won't be the same without him. May the Lord wrap his arms around the family to provide peace and comfort during this most difficult time.

David and Cortland Hendrick

Cortland Hendrick

December 12, 2016

We had the joy of knowing and serving alongside Stephen at the International House ministry at TCU in the late 90's. He was a dear friend. His laughter and storytelling lit up the room and he brought vigor and life to every gathering. Many lives were transformed because of the sincerity of his love for God and others. David and I still regularly tell stories about him. We are so grateful to have shared a season of life and ministry with such an extraordinary person. Our heartfelt prayers go out to you, his family. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Debra Jacoby

Sent Flowers

Gabriel and Christina Malouf

December 12, 2016

We will miss Stephen! He was always a funny, lighthearted, compassionate person who loved the Lord. We were delighted to know him during our years in Fort Worth. Blessings and peace to the family and his friends during this time.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Maritza Bazara

December 12, 2016

I am so sorry for you loss my prayers tu family and friends my husband tryed to help out but only god knows why things happen god bless you and your family and friends..

Nancy Beck

December 12, 2016

Extending heartfelt sympathy to our dear friends at this time of deep sorrow in the passing of Stephen. My children and I continue to pray for strength, hope, comfort and peace for all the family and friends. God will walk with you in the days ahead.

December 11, 2016

David and family,

We now live in our later years in Minnesota, near two of our four daughters. We learned of your loss from our second daughter, who worked as a US-2er in Manhattan in the early 90s, Monica. We knew you during seminary days in the late 60s. We are so very sorry for this tragic loss and grief that you are going through. Our prayers are for your whole family.
Our love, Wendell and Laquita Powers

Angela Sadler

December 11, 2016

Our hearts are so saddened by this painful loss. I had the privilege of being a very close friend to Stephen for many years during college and his time in Japan. He was one of the most loving, caring people I have ever known. He saw everyone as unique and important. Everywhere we went he had to stop and engage people, help people, pray for people, etc. His sense of humor was hilarious. We spent many nights with friends laughing until we cried. I'm sad that we have not been close in recent years, but happy to know that he was surrounded by people that loved and cared for him. Love and prayers to the Dean and Bedison families...Look forward to celebrating his life after Christmas in TN.

Lisa Walker

December 11, 2016

Sending love and prayers from Tennessee. There are no words that can be spoken to ease the sorrow within your heart, but rest assured that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Gleaves

December 11, 2016

God be with you.

robin huckabee

December 11, 2016

I was saddened to learn of Stephen's death. He was always my go to guy for events at my house. He loved the kids he took pictures of and he will be missed in the community. I am so sorry for your loss!

Shannon Allen

December 11, 2016

On the surface Stephen Dean was a photographer for Flash Photography, a khaki wearer with a consistently well-groomed goatee and a loud voice but to his family and friends; he was so much more.

We met Stephen 13 years ago when he and Candie worked together and began dating. They took their relationship slow because they believed in building a friendship first. They would often stay up late, talking, playing board games and just enjoying each other's company. Which her roommates at the time, Sandie and Shannon, found honorable and romantic until it was 12:30am and they were being woken from a blissful sleep by Stephen's booming laugh or the sound of yahtzee dice hitting the cardboard box lid.

But their relationship was very inspiring. Their love for each other was apparent in their actions and words. They spent 13 years building a relationship that many people will never know in their lifetime. Candie and Stephen completed each other. He was her rock and she was the stability he never knew he needed. Stephen's life goals changed when he met Candie; we saw him go from working 3 jobs to 2 then to just 1. His relationship with Candie became the most important thing to him.

You have to understand, being with Candie meant being a part of our large extended family. We are very close knit and protective of each other and not everyone's significant others have instantly become accepted by the family, if at all. But Stephen did, he just fit right in. He didn't hesitate to love and respect all of Candie's family and he immediately began working on building a relationship with each of them. Very quickly he went from being Candie's boyfriend, to being an integral part of our family.

Stephen had a big contagious smile and an infectious personality that made him likeable from your first conversation with him. He would talk to anyone and everyone, he made a friend everywhere he went and had no enemies. Stephen knew how to make an entrance into a room and greeted everyone with a hug or a handshake, even if he didn't know you. He always made each person he met or talked to feel important and cared for. He was just an all around good guy.

He was a magnet for people of all ages, especially his nieces and nephews. They would flock to him when he entered the room and demand his attention; which he always freely gave. It didn't matter how many times they would show him something or tell him the same joke or want him to play the same game, he would always play along like it was the first time with an over the top look of surprise and a big hearty laugh. We would often watch his interaction with them, with a little green monster on our shoulder, and wonder What does Stephen have that makes them love him so much? Thing is, he didn't have anything, he was just Stephen and you couldn't help but love him.

Of course, to accept Stephen, you had to accept all of him, even his individuality. He has several quirks that were definitely unique of Stephen.

* Stephen loved his cups, specifically the Styrofoam Whataburger cups and his big plastic gas station cup with the blue lid. I don't remember a time when he wasn't carrying that cup or a Styrofoam cup or both when he entered a room.

* Stephen loved to take pictures of everything. He would turn a 2 hour road trip into a 4 hour road trip because he would stop to take pictures, which was fine, unless you were in the car with him and you just wanted to get to the destination. But he definitely took you to places you would have never gone to and showed you how to see the beauty in everything.

* Stephen wasn't big on start times. If we told him that an event was starting at 12:00pm, he would show up at 2:00pm and his excuse would be he was getting ready, which meant he was watching a movie or show or he stopped to take pictures of something. We started telling him events started earlier than they did, in the hopes he would show up on time.But it didn't always work.

* He was not a wasteful man; he didn't like to see things being thrown away. Specifically food; which actually worked out perfectly in our family because we often over-prepare for family events. If we are going on a camping trip for 2 days, we bring enough food for a week. He had an insatiable appetite and had no shame about it. Candie hardly ever finished a full plate of food which was just fine by Stephen. I think he may have made plans for her food before she even started eating it. When his in-laws host parties at their house, a family friend would always bring her famous queso and Stephen would sit right next to it and go to town. Candie's stepmother, Sandra, would have to chase him off so he would leave enough for others to eat. But when Sandra turned her back, he was right back in the dip.

* As I said, we are over-preparers so when we packed a vehicle for a camping or road trip, we usually had enough stuff to fill a large U-Haul truck but only had the back of two-three small SUV's/cars to fit it into. Stephen would take his slow sweet time to organize everything into the back of those SUV's but by the time he was done, everything fit perfectly and we had even enough room for more items, which we would usually filled with more stuff. He worked the same way when we were moving someone into a new house. I honestly believe he could have fit the contents of an entire house into the bed of a pickup truck if you gave him enough time to figure it out.

Those are just a few of the memories we will laugh about in the years to come. Stephen would have wanted us to remember the good times, and since there were so many good times to remember, it definitely won't be a problem

Our family has experienced many losses over the years and it never gets any easier. But with each loss, it draws us closer and makes us appreciate our time together that much more. We all love Stephen very much and can't even begin to imagine life without him. He was stolen way too soon from all of his family, friends and the many people who would have had the pleasure of meeting him. There is a void in our lives that cannot be described and will never be filled.

Om behalf of the Bedisons/Pattersons and their extended family