Frank Askew Dean, Sr.

Frank Askew Dean Sr. made his transition on March 17, 2025. He was born in Washington, DC on March 30, 1938, to Samuel and Althea Dean. Frank was the youngest of 6 children and at age 9, and his leadership qualities were emerging when, as a member, he began to receive meritorious awards as Sargeant Frank Dean in the D.C. School Safety Patrol. In his first occupation, Frank parked cars as a teenager, which he described really enjoying. After graduating from Dunbar in 1956, he was married for 17 years to Patricia Williams and they raised 5 children. Frank graduated from United States Army Signal School in 1957, and served honorably for 6 years. Frank enjoyed a productive career in Public Transportation with WMATA, ultimately working for Metro for 32 years, and retiring in November 1996. In a Washington Post article entitled “Metro Retirees Recall Good Old Days of the Job”, 2013, they noted: “Those who started in the 1960s, such as Frank Dean, 75, and Muriel Humbles, 76, of Cheltenham, mentored others, reminding them to keep their uniforms pressed and shoes shined and to respect people.” Frank was honored along with others, July 2013 at a special event in North Carolina where many Metro employees gather yearly.

Frank received many honors: Certificate of Appreciation, for outstanding transportation service for 7 years to the Evangel Cathedral Family, 07/15/2011. As a WMATA, Metro employee: The Washington Afro-American: “67 Top Public Employees Who Know How To Be Nice” March 23, 1992, WMATA, Metro: Silver Key Award, September 1994, WMATA, Bronze Key Award, September 1992, and a letter penned from passenger, Mr. Samuel L. Byrom to Mr. David L. Gunn, General Manager, WMATA: “Whatever energy that the Metro System puts into the education of its train operators is more than well spent with Mr. Dean. You may be assured that Mr. Dean’s performance as a Metrorail operator exceeds the norm and in my estimation, should be the standard by which the performances of all operators are measured”

Frank enjoyed a long and blessed marriage to the love of his life, Lorraine Smith, who he married in 1982. He truly felt Lorraine's love and the closeness of her family lifted him to higher heights. They enjoyed treasured times with their many children and numerous grandchildren. Frank and Lorraine worshipped and served at Evangel Cathedral. They traveled widely, especially to Louisiana and Mississippi to visit extended family and enjoyed many Mardi Gras celebrations. During Hurricane Katrina, Frank and Lorraine opened their beautiful home in Beltsville, Maryland to family members in need. They also lovingly cared for a few neighborhood children after school. Frank’s Christian faith and marriage to Lorraine were his rock during any difficult times. In their later years, in the quiet evenings, Frank would turn on the radio and serenade Lorraine for hours. They enjoyed 38 blessed years of marriage until Lorraine’s untimely passing on 01/23/2020.

Frank Dean’s departure will be felt by his family and many friends. His warm smile, soothing voice, godly wisdom, naturally affable manner, and great sense of humor left an indelible mark which we shall bear proudly and honor him in our treatment of others. Towards the end, Frank amazed those who cared for him by singing loudly and proudly his favorite songs. Frank is now experiencing the completion of his joy, enjoying the best music there is, of the heavenly choir, and hearing the words which we all labor in love to hear, Matthew 25:23: “Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant: You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter the joy of your Master”.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Cheryl Dean, Carol McGruder (Russell), Pandora Smith, Victor Smith (Karen), Dorinda Smith, Steve Smith (Rhonda), 50 grandchildren, older brother Emerson Dean and SIL, Glendia Dean, nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Althea Dean, siblings Leonard, Jacqueline, Vivian, and Stanford, daughter Angela, sons Frankie Jr. and Gary Dean, grandson, Chris.]