While I never knew Dean I have known Kathy for quite a few years. And through her I know about most of the family. I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss but I know, from what I have read, he was deeply loved and his memory will never fade. May the Lord bless you all and when your grieving has lessened may you be left with nothing but fond and pleasant memories. Linda Robb and Cliff

Dean, I've tried for days to write something for you here, but words can't express how great of a man you were. this doesn't seem real that i'm writing in your obituary, i know i never said it enough or showed it but thank you for every little thing you did for me, you went out of your way so much for me, and i love you for that. I'd give anything to just see you pull up in my drive and walk in and say " Alright, wheres my boy?" i won't let him forget you, there's no way anyone could forget you. i'm not really good with words, I wanted to make sure the last words i said to you were " I love you" and i'm glad you heard me. I wish you were with us, it's hard to know that you can't see my baby grow up. As i look at kayden, all i can think about is you. He's so lucky to have had someone that cared for as much for him as you did. I love you dean. i'm gonna miss you like crazy, which i already do. rest in peace, i know your in a better place now. i love you.

Lit a candle in memory of Merle "Dean" Vanover

My heart is broke for his family i will never forget all the nights and weekends when aunt Liz and uncle Roby would come in for the weekend and bring the kids you were older then me but you all ways played with us like you were are age i all ways loved it when mom would say you all were coming in love that smile and the best hugs ever i love you and will miss you so much even thou we grew apart you will all ways be in my heart .......R.I.P.

I have wonderful memories of my youth with my cousins, BobbyDean you were one of them.  Uncle Roby and Aunt Lizzy's home with all the kids, the living room filled while the guitar's played and voices sang.  I still drive by the old house when I am in the area and remember the times.  No matter how far Michelle and I were from all of you it was as if we never left.  The last time we spoke you were at dads helping him fix some things in his home, just like you to be there and lend a hand when someone was in need even if it was 4 hours away.  Your family was blessed to have you and you will be deeply missed.  I am very sorry I can not be there to show the proper respect you and the entire family deserve but please know I will be there in my thoughts and prayers.  

Ed "Pierre" Vanover

GRANDPA YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE WE ALL MISS YOU AND LOVE U CANT WAIT TO SEE U AGAIN!!<3

My thoughts and Prayers are with the family i think of the camping trip that we took when i was 13 it was so much fun all the kids and me had a blast with kathy and dean and i remember him eating bologna and crakers  I LOVEYOU Dean you and kathy were like mom and dad to me on those summers that i would spend with lizzy and roby  you will be forever missed and Loved

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of my cousin Dean. I wish I would have known him better, he sounds like an awesome person. Aunt Liz and uncle Roby raised him to be that way. I hope memories of him keep the family strong in their darkest hours. RIP Dean, you'll be greatly missed!! Love and prayers!!

Dear Kathy & Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I never met Dean, but we had a few phone conversations and his kind, gentle ways and his love for his family came through in our talks.  I am hoping that your memories will comfort you all at this sad time.  May God bless you all.

Brenda Sauder

Dean/Dad
I cant believe I'm here writing in another obituary,especially yours!  I will never forgot what a great man you were.  You loved with such passion, Mom is lost without you, It's our job to help her enjoy your memories and focus on the days ahead to get through this.  You left such great reminders of of your, your Kids.  You have  instilled something very special in each of them, the love and support they are to mom says a lot about what type of man you made them.   We will never forget how you took on responsibility for us kids when you met mom, we fought with everything in us in the beginning, but you held your love and it just simply grew on us.  I cant think of another man with the love,passion,patience you had.  You were always right there for everyone, usually asking for your help to "Fix It" .You were the ultimate Mr. Fix It!  I'm sorry I didn't get the groceries for you to make your " perfect breakfast sandwich"  but I'm so thankful we had the chance to spend time with you in the days leading up to this :(   We love you and will always remember you, Never forgetting that laugh/grin.  Rest In Peace, no more back pain! oxoxox  Melissa

We have all lost another gentle soul! Go rest high, on that mountian....your work here is done! R.I.P. Brother, you will be sorely missed.......PRAYERS TO KATHY AND FAMILY

Dean my husband & I had never got the chance to meet you but I have heard so.many great stories. I feel like were family even tho were just friends. Your family spoke so highly of you. I know it is sudden but watch over Kathy & the kids & we will help keep your memory alive.. Go rest in heaven. 
Sincerely Elmo & Seanna Groce...

I still don't even know what to say. I feel like I'm waiting to wake up from some crazy nightmare. I guess Jesus had some work for my sweet Dad to do upstairs... That's the only explanation I have for what has happened. He's onto bigger and better things, in a happier place. 

I could not have asked for a better Dad. We will never know a more caring, honest, genuine, respectable, selfless man. He would give anyone anything he had and never expected anything in return. 

We will miss you more you will ever know.

Timothy Junior Howard so sorry to hear about the lost of my cousin may god be with all the family and friends love

Charlie Lee Robbins so sorry to hear about the lost of my cousin may god be with all the family and friends love

Annaleen  Robbins so sorry to hear about the lost of my cousin may god be with all the family and friends love

So sorry to hear about your loss.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.  God be with you all.  May God ease your pain.

Virlie Howard  so sorry to hear about the lost of my cousin may god be with all the family and friends love and i praying for all of us

sasha ann pack so sorry to hear about the lost of my cousin may god be with all the family and friends love

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
May the dear family and friends of Dean be surrounded with love, peace, hope, and support during this very difficult time. 
Thank you for allowing me to care for your family.
God Bless, 
Brittany Brundidge

OBITUARY

Merle "Dean" Vanover

October 24, 1957 – April 22, 2013

Schoedinger Midtown

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