Charles Wesley Dean

into this world. His parents, Thelma Jo Mercer Dean and Vernon Albert Dean called him Buck. They claimed that throughout his time in her womb, he was “kicking around” like a wild horse. Charles was the youngest of three children. Vernon Albert Jr. was the first born and Susanna Jo was the second. For his toddler years, he lived with his parents and siblings in Dallas, Texas. His father practiced medicine as a General Surgeon at a local hospital. On an extremely unfortunate day, as he was driving, he swerved his car off the road and wrecked it with such an enormous impact that he died shortly thereafter. This singular event caused seismic changes.

The one constant in his life was his athletic ability. Track and football were his favorites. Because of his outstanding performance in these, many coaches scouted him. One particular coach believed in him to the degree that he took him “under his wing” and allowed him to live with he and his family. He flourished with the stability. He excelled athletically during these two and a half years and made the grades that permitted him to be eligible. Throughout these years, his mother worked in Dallas and attempted to “put her life back together.” She met and married Pat Chandler who would have a profound impact. Once married, she re-established contact with Charles during the summer after his sophomore year. She fought for custody of him and insisted that he move to New Orleans with her. This was a decision that was not in the interest of his well being. He left behind a promising football “career” and coach who loved him like his own. He slowly adapted to his new life in New Orleans. After much agony learning the ways of his new coach and team, he began to once again be recognized for his greatness. His step-father Pat transferred to Dallas for his job. His Mom followed him there and demanded that Charles move yet again.

He finished his senior year a very changed person. He self-sabotaged, but eked by. He graduated and entered the Navy for two years. The structure provided him an environment in which to thrive. His vent up hostility and God-given athleticism propelled him to win a Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. After his time in the service, he returned to Dallas where Pat and Thelma Jo resided. He enrolled in college at University of Texas at Arlington. He continued to box with the renowned Ft. Worth Golden Gloves establishment. He quickly learned of his natural ability in math and science. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics. He had two new-found loves, boxing and arithmetic. Little did he know that he would soon meet the greatest love of his life, Janet Anne Farmer. She was a true beauty….tall and slender with piercing almond shaped blue eyes, a delicate nose and chiseled cheek bones. Intelligent, awkward and vulnerable, she captured his heart. He craved to take care of her and give her love that he never had been consistently shown. They married, he continued his studies until he completed his Master’s Degree in Mathematics. His interest in boxing was substituted by his desire to provide for Jan and their rescued puppy, Charlie, a multi-colored Water Spaniel. He worked for State Farm Insurance Company as a claims adjuster. Life was good as he had a wife, job and was in contact with his Mother and Pat. With a baby on the way, Pat served as a father- type role for him. He encouraged him to know and follow Christ. Because of his positive influence, Charles and Jan used his last name as the middle name of their first born baby girl, Deborah Chandler Dean. The years passed quickly. Charles “climbed the professional ladder” at State Farm. This required that the family move around locally in Texas. Two more daughters were born. Dianna Lynn Dean was the second born and Jennifer Renee’ Dean was the third and final. He loved and served his family well.

Charles is survived by his brother, Vernon Dean, sister, Sue Fisher, daughters Debbie Ledoux,

Dianna Lorenz and Jennifer Gomez, and, his grandchildren, Nathaniel Disser, Samuel Ledoux,

Sarah Ledoux, Hannah Ledoux, Ellie Ledoux, Grace Lorenz, Faith Lorenz, Hope Lorenz, Miguel

Gomez IV, Andres Gomez and Dax Gomez.