Dean Ripley

Dean Ripley died peacefully in his sleep on June 5, 2016, at the age of 74. He suffered from Heart Failure and Diabetes. His heart was so full of love for people and his family that it just quit! He loved people and people loved him.

He was born in Lampasas, Texas, August 4, 1941. One of his fondest memories was working as a carhop at a drive-in from the age of 10. He graduated from Lampasas High School in 1959. He attended Baylor University for a short time, but quickly transferred to the University of Texas in Austin. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, he went into retail buying for a major department store. After he was drafted during the Vietnam War, he quickly returned to retail as a buyer, working his way up to divisional over several buyers.

He met his wife of 40 years, Connie, while both worked for Joske’s in San Antonio. One month after their first date, they were engaged. One month later they were married. Shortly thereafter they began a chain of pet stores, Ripley’s Pet Emporium. Since the largest store was in Austin, they moved to Austin in 1982. In 1984, Dean opened a real estate company. Connie soon joined him. Both worked side by side as brokers until they built their dream house on Lake Travis and began to retire in 2000.

He is survived by his wife; their daughters Teri Radloff and husband Tim; Traci Whitney and husband Cameron; and 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Aaron and Paige Radloff, and Ripley and Max Whitney. He is also survived by daughter Tosha Hall, husband Shane and granddaughter Carly.

Dean’s biggest regret was not getting to see his grandchildren grow up. He saw so much potential in each of them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, L.G. and Gayle Ripley; two brothers, Gale and Dale Ripley; and a son Kirk.

Visitation with the family will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8. His Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Funeral Home Chapel. His entombment in the mausoleum at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.