William Edward Dean

Bill was born January 24, 1943, in Vancouver Washington, where his father was stationed in the Army. It was a cold blizzard night when Bill's mother went into labor. They made it to the hospital in time to welcome “Billy” into their little family even after the ambulance got stuck in the snow.

Bill and his parents lived several places throughout the United States before settling in Midland, Texas in 1954. He graduated from Midland High School in 1962. Velma, Bill's mother, was happy that her son had a summer job but didn't want him to have a driver's license. He found a job driving a diamante truck for a seismograph company without a driver's license or his mother's knowledge.

He started Southwestern Assembly of God College in the fall of 1962. During his first week of school, he sat behind a red headed young lady who captured his attention. He spent most class days pulling her hair. Bill and Carol were married on August 24, 1963.

In October of 1966, Bill was drafted into the United States Army where he served two years at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was honorably discharged in 1968. After the Army, he went back to his previous employer, Texas Instruments. Here is where Bill found his love for driving, with his mother's knowledge. He crisscrossed the United States, Canada and Newfoundland. Bill took pride in driving his rig with safety and efficiency. He received awards for his safety driving over one million miles accident free. He retired after being with Texas Instruments for 30 years.

While working at TI, Bill was introduced to another truck driver, Bill Duffey. Both Bills had a lot in common. They both drove trucks,

had pilot's license, and both looked for ways to bless others. Together with other men they went on numerous mission trips to the Navajo and Hopi Tribes in New Mexico, as well as serving as a missionaries to Mexico and several Central American countries. His commercial pilot's license gave him the opportunity to be a missionary pilot. At the age of 9, Bill made the decision to spend his life for God and enjoyed sharing God's love with others.

In 1974 Bill and Carol welcomed Becky into their family. In 1976, Christy was born. Bill loved being daddy to his two little girls. The girls loved flying with daddy. One day Bill came home as a very proud daddy who just took his girls flying. He was so excited for the girls to tell mommy where they went. With great excitement, the girls told her about their day going to McDonald's for ice cream!

In 1999, he asked Christy and husband Jeremy if he could be the first one to hold his grandbaby after them. He was the first one to hold all three, after their parents. Bill's love for his family only grew with each addition. He didn't go easy on them when playing checkers, but he did teach them to hone in their skills.

Bill looked forward to his time visiting with his parents in Midland and all his Fairview Family. Some of his favorite memories were working on the farms, feeding the cattle and his mother-in-law’s pies. His family didn't end with blood family. He and Carol have welcomed many friends to be part of their family.

After Bill retired, he took care of his mother and aunt. He made sure every need they had was taken care of and made several trips with them. To their last day, he was committed to taking care of these two ladies as they had taken care of him when he was young.

Bill also spent his time taking his girls and grandkids on trips. With Becky, We drove with her on months long work trips. Christy and the grand kids, he went on education trips across the United States.

Starting in January 2024, Bill decided to make memories. He planned every birthday, anniversary and celebration, to the smallest detail. On August 24, 2024, Bill and Carol celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary, which he planned.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, G.L. and Velma Dean. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Dean, daughters Becky Dean, Christy Barnes and husband Jeremy and his three grandchildren, Dalton, Devin and Emily

Paws To Serve Heroes is currently training Eddie to be Bill's service

dog. Bill and Eddie had a true bond. The family ask if you would like to make a donation in Bill's name, make it to Paws To Serve Heroes.

PawsToServeHeroes

https://www.venmo.com/u/PawsToServeHeroes

Pawstoserveheroes@gmail.com

Venmo PawsToServeHeroes@gmail.com PTSH

832 FM 71

Commerce Tx 85428