Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Dean Obituary
The man, the myth, the legend: After many years of out-dueling Father Time with a measly pair of deuces, William "Bill" L. Dean finally folded his last hand and passed away May 3, 2021 following a prolonged illness. Not too many got the better of him…though Arthur Ashe got him in Kalamazoo in '57. Bill could tell a tale like no one else, and just when you called his bluff, you'd find a patch that said "Ft. Wayne Boy's Yo-Yo Champion 1954."
Born April 6, 1942 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to Carlton and Sue Dean, Bill and his brother, Jim, spent their childhood playing sports, getting into mischief, and riding bikes with friends. They relocated to Toledo where Bill attended DeVilbiss High School. Bill enjoyed countless hours of tennis, basketball, ping pong, and speed skating, and learning chess from strangers who quickly turned to friends at Jermain Park. Bill caught the eye of Penny Carver at the tennis courts who "had a major crush on him." They married in 1968.
The pair welcomed daughter Debbi in 1970 and son Mike in 1973. Bill was a fantastic dad who loved nothing more than supporting his kids. He was so proud of their accomplishments, and he loved his grandkids just as much. Paige, Carver and Ava were the apples of his eye, and "Papa" was never too busy for a game of Go Fish or chess.
Bill worked hard, spending many years in logistics at the Jennison Wright Corporation, and loved to play, too. He enjoyed taking cruises with the cruise group. His travel stories always seemed unbelievable until you heard the one about Bill going into a hotel apartment wrapped in just a towel, making himself at home, only to discover he was in the wrong unit. Bill's favorite nights were spent at family camp or gathered around a bonfire on Janelynn Drive.
Bill traveled with the BGSU tennis team where Penny coached. Players will remember him as the crazy van driver and his superstitious snapping in the stands trying to force a double fault for the opponents. He was a wonderful husband of 53 years, a loving dad, a doting Papa, a super fun uncle, and just like his many dogs, a loyal, true friend. While Bill will be sorely missed, he'll live on through his mini-me, and in every pair of aces, every forced double fault, every checkmate, every tall tale, and every laugh.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BGSU Foundation with "Women's Tennis" in the memo, or the steeple fund at Larchmont United Methodist Church where Bill will be interred, and his family can hear the bell ring. To donate, text "GIVE2LUMC" to 73256. Bill loved a party, and his final send off will be no different. A celebration of life will be in Ohio in summer 2021; details pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Dean
2 Entries
Brian Kelley
June 7, 2021
I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Bill through my friendship with Mike. Bill was an awesome fella who loved his family dearly. He was a proud husband, father, grandpa and a truly genuine person. I enjoyed countless games of Euchre with Bill, Mike and Penny. I was always amazed at how his mind worked and how crafty and fast he played the game. Bill was a special bread of man...truly intelligent person who could beat you physically in sports, mentally out smart you in a card game, talk about any topic of relevance and someone I truly consider, along with Penny, my friend! And I see all of this in Mike! The walk, the mannerism, the intelligence, that smirk his face like he just got away with something :) The grandchildren need to look no further than Mike to understand who their grandpa was as a man!
Peace and love to The Dean family, especially Penny! My heart is with you all!
Dan Dick
June 6, 2021
Bill, you will be missed at the tennis courts and at the poker table. Bill coached my son, who would have rather ran from the tennis ball than hit it. Bill was a kind and patient instructor who knew when to prod an when to poke hi students to be there best. Thank you Bill for giving your time to the young boys at St. John's Middle School Tennis Team.
I reconnected with Bill at the poker table when I joined Jim Posta and Larry Jones to play. Bill was gregarious, told great stories and had a big heart He liked to try to push me off hands and often succeeded. You could just never tell when he was bluffing! I will miss Bill's humor and love of life. He was Aces with me!.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in William Dean's name
Memorial Events
for William Dean
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Dean's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
