Visitation will be Thursday, June 21 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Memorial Park in Amarillo, Texas. Graveside services will be Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Hamlin, Texas, at 10:30 A.M.
Joe was born February 3, 1932, to W.W. Dean and Georgia Faye Nicholson. He was an avid sports fan his entire life. His love for sports, especially football, started in Hamlin, Texas. He was a star quarterback for the Hamlin Pied Pipers, continued to play football in the Air Force while stationed in Germany and then played for the McMurray Indians in Abilene, Texas, while finishing his secondary education. He began a long career in education teaching and coaching in Sanderson, Iraan and Albany, Texas. In 1970, he became a resident of the Texas Panhandle when he and wife Allene, Carole and Connie moved to Groom where he was the high school principal for 8 years and superintendent for 2 years. In 1980, he had the opportunity to go back home to Hamlin and serve as the elementary principal. He retired in the early 1990’s, played many rounds of golf and continued to be active in the Alumni Association as long as his health allowed. He and his wife Jolene were also active members of Central Avenue Baptist Church. He impacted the lives of many through the years from students to teachers to friends and family. His sense of humor was infectious and his heart was tender. He bled Pied Piper green and white(but never gray, silver or black).
He is preceded in death by a brother, Doyle R. Dean; a sister, Lusara Dean Cowan; first wife Reba Allene Reynolds Dean and second wife Jolene Bonds Dean. He is survived by two daughters, Carole Fields and husband Barry; Connie McLain and husband Robert; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; special friends James Clawson and family.
The family would especially like to thank all caregivers in Hamlin, Texas, and at Ware Living Center for their kindness and compassion.
