Douglas W. Dean

Douglas W. Deane, 76, of Ashland, passed away Monday afternoon, January 29, 2018, at UH Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland. He was born August 10, 1941, in Ashland, Ohio, to the late Theodore Valentine and Mary Irene (Hawks) Deane.

He graduated from Perrysville High School in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Doug had four years of active service and 3 years as an Air National Guardsman. He was a flight engineer and jet aircraft mechanic and was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He remained a proud veteran and was honored to serve as Commissioner for the Ashland County Veterans Service Commission since October 1993.

Doug was very motivated to perform his job duties with excellence. He began his civilian career at First National Bank in 1965 as a teller and left as Assistant Vice President. He continued his career at Wickes Lumber, where he soon became the manager of the Ashland location. Within two years under his supervision, it became the #6 selling office in the United States. In 1981, Doug opened his business, D & D Auto Service, and retired after 20 years of service. Doug couldn't stay idle and started working in the construction and remodeling business and was very successful. In addition to his professional career, Doug worked in the finance office of the Ashland County Fair for over 50 years. Doug and Pat were recognized as Fair Supporter's of the Year in 2013. Throughout his life he was also a coin collector and dealer.

He was a member of several veterans service organizations locally and held a variety of officer positions over the years. Doug made certain he attended the meetings at the Veterans Service Commission and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Association. He enjoyed his free time fishing, boating, watching and attending NASCAR.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Pat Cole Deane; children, Lori Ernsberger and Bob (Becky) Deane; five grandchildren, Brandy, Austin, Cole, Kelsey and Aly; a brother, Vilas (Joyce) Deane; a sister-in-law, Laura Mae Deane; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Gale Deane, on January 19, 2018.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018, at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Howard Burnett will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Vermillion Cemetery, Hayesville, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland Chapter of DAV, PO Box 626, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or The Cat House Feline Sanctuary Inc., 1130 E. Main St., # 136, Ashland, Ohio 44805.