Charles "Charlie" Wilber Dean

Charlie, a wonderful man with a beautiful soul, passed away peacefully at his home at 12:01 am on Friday, October 29th with his loving wife of almost 53 years, Lela, by his side and her hand on his heart. Charlie’s family is comforted to know his soul went home to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Charlie’s passions in life were God, his wife, his family, and his community. Charlie was a Godly, compassionate, and humble man that impacted many people’s lives. He would greet you with his beautiful smile, that would brighten your day. He would pray with you and for you. He was the man that would give you the shirt off his back, then help you get on your feet without expecting anything in return. He truly didn’t realize how many people’s lives he impacted until we started sharing our memories of him with him and when we started reading all the beautiful messages people left for him on social media. He was honored to have been a part of so many people’s lives.

Charlie was born in Brookfield, Missouri on June 12, 1945, to Emery and Ethel Dean, who preceded him in death. Charlie had one sister, Helen Wagner, her spouse, Joseph Wagner and their son Steven who also preceded him in death.

After graduating from Brookfield High School in 1964, Charlie enlisted in the Army to proudly serve our country from 1965 - 1968. He served in Germany as a Track Vehicle Mechanic at the height of the Vietnam war.

Charlie married Lela, the love of his life and a woman he described as beautiful and very loving, on November 23rd, 1968 in Marceline, MO. In March 1970, their daughter, Monica, was born, and became their pride and joy.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Lela; their daughter Monica Sue and her husband, Michael Dale Strain, whom Charlie considered a son; grandson, Joshua Dean Strain and his wife, Caitlin Nicole Strain and their two sons, Wesley Michael Strain, and Cooper Dean Strain; grandson Tyler Michael Strain and his wife, Claire Anne Strain and their baby who is due to be born in May 2022; two sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; many nephews, nieces and cousins; and his beloved dog, Gracie Leigh Schnauzer – all of whom Charlie loved very deeply.

Charlie was a true, loyal number 1 fan to his Kansas City Chiefs, so please feel free to wear your favorite KC Chiefs attire and dress casually. A light meal will be served at the beginning of the service so we can honor this truly wonderful man and celebrate his life by breaking bread together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to K9s for Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Rd., Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 or K9sforWarriors.org.