Funeral services for Charles Claude Dedear, 87 of Florence, TX will be held at 10am on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Trimmier in Killeen with Bro. Weldon Hicks officiating. Visitation will be held on Tues, Nov. 27, 2018 from 6-8pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen, interment will be at 1pm at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
Mr. Dedear died on Nov. 20, 2018 at Seton Hospital in Round Rock, TX. He was born on Sept. 16, 1931 in Round Rock, TX to Claud and Florence Dedear. He graduated from Round Rock High School at 16. He enlisted in the US Air Force in June of 1951 and was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
On June 6, 1953, he married Irene Simpson in Round Rock, Texas. In 1956, he was assigned to Korea as an agent in the OSI. After returning from Korea, Claude and Irene moved to Florence in Nov. of 1959 to take over the family farm and ranch and raise their family. In 1962 he went to work for Civil Service at Ft. Hood, TX as a computer specialist for 24 years.
While in Florence, they were active in the community and the school, where Claude served on the school board for many years and later as a bus driver. They were also members of First Baptist Church of Florence, FBC of Andice, and after moving to Killeen became members of FBC of Trimmier. At all three churches Claude enjoyed singing in the choir, leading the worship music, and serving as a deacon. Claude and Irene were married for 58 years and were blessed with 4 children.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought much love and joy into his life.
He had an amazing life filled with family and friends and will be remembered for his strong commitment to God, family, and life.
Mr. Dedear was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.
Survivors include daughters Alecia Dedear of Belton, Karen Havins and her husband Charlie of Florence, Claudia Melton and her husband Edd of Youngsport, son Douglas Dedear and his wife Becky of Lexington, and his brother James Neil Dedear of Georgetown.
Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Linda Besst, Christy Joiner and her husband Thomas, Douglas Havins and his wife Kristy, David Havins and his wife Kelly, Chase Neville and his wife Keva, Daniel Havins and his wife Jennifer, Chelsea Pacheco and her husband Erik, Bobbie Shae Melton, Jordan Dedear and his wife Laura Kate, Reid Dedear, Ethan Dedear and his wife Ashley, along with 20 Great Grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Trimmier, 6405 Chaparral Road, Killeen, TX.
