Charles Frank Dean

Charles was born on June 28, 1933 to Merle and Vera Dean in Topeka, KS. He graduated from Topeka’s Seaman High School in 1951 and built houses with his Dad for two years. Charles then served in the United States Army for two years, and after an honorable discharge he attended Washburn University.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 1959, he was offered a job with the Department of Defense in Norco, CA. This job kickstarted a 30-year career, 11 years in Norco and then 19 years in China Lake, CA.

In 1958, Charles and Juliana Magnus (Julie) were married in Topeka, KS. They had one child, Kathy (Dean) Goodner. Charles and Julie were very active in their churches, Magnolia Baptist Church in Riverside, CA and then Immanuel Baptist and Immanuel Christian School in Ridgecrest, CA. Charles was on the school board, taught Sunday School and served on multiple church committees throughout the years. He and Julie built and managed the church/school library until their retirement.

In 1989, Charles retired and he and Julie moved to San Marcos, CA. They spent several years traveling, gardening, and volunteering their time at Bethel Baptist Church. In 1996, Julie passed away and in 2002, Charles married Alma Giesenschlag. They enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and family; and staying active at church and in their community. Charles also built more bookshelves and managed the church library at Bethel until his death.

Charles loved baseball and was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was not a contractor by trade, like his father, but he used the carpentry skills he learned from his father as a ministry, volunteering his time to build for their churches, the Christian school, as well as family members as needed. He loved reading books, collecting stamps and having dessert with every meal! But mostly, he loved Jesus. His faith was strong and his convictions never wavered. He had a heart for missions and supported many missionaries and Christian organizations. He was honest, loyal, a quiet leader and a Christ-like example to many.

Charles was predeceased by his late wife Julie, parents Merle and Vera and siblings Robert, Betty and Dorothy. He is survived by wife Alma, daughter Kathy, son-in-law John, many nieces and nephews, Alma’s six children, their spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service at Riverside National Cemetery was held on September 29th. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 855 Brotherton Road in Escondido on Friday, October 21st at 11:00am. If interested, the family requests donations be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, an organization Charles supported for over 40 years. https://www.wycliffe.org/projects/give-your-gift-in-honor-or-memory-of-a-loved-one

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcleodmortuary.com for the Dean family.