Mr. Howard S Dean

July 15, 1936 – August 4, 2025

Howard “Coach” Dean, a beloved Eloy icon, passed away peacefully at his home in Wickenburg, Arizona, on August 4, 2025. He was 89.

Born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to James and Beulah Dean, Howard’s life was a testament to service that touched countless lives over nearly nine decades. He gave everything to his family, church, school, and town, and in return, was blessed a thousand times over by the people of Eloy. He was a coach, teacher, mentor, spiritual advisor, and friend to generations of students, and he cherished every moment of his career and life in Eloy.

Howard was 9 when he moved with his family to Wickenburg, Arizona, where his father worked for the railroad. He graduated from Wickenburg High School as a standout athlete in 1954, earning four-year starting roles in football and basketball, and becoming a two-year starter in baseball only because the program was introduced in his junior year. Awarded a full-ride scholarship to play basketball and baseball at Grand Canyon College, he humorously discovered that meant the school set him up with two part-time jobs instead of one. While he was a four-year starter in both sports, the highlight of his college years was meeting and marrying Pat Green. After graduating in 1958, Howard and Pat moved to Eloy, where Howard began a storied career at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School.

From 1958 to 2002, he served as coach of basketball (boys and girls), football, and baseball, and Director of Athletics. Under his leadership, the Dust Devils basketball team made its only appearance in a State Championship in 1963, finishing as runners-up. He also led the girls basketball team to a historic semi-final finish. In 1976, he was assistant coach on the state championship baseball team, a moment made more special with his son Jeff on the team. As Athletic Director, Howard oversaw numerous state championships in football, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track, and expanded the school’s athletic offerings to include tennis, golf, and soccer. His contributions were recognized with Hall of Fame inductions at the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Santa Cruz Valley Union High School.

It would be hard to find a family in Eloy not impacted by the Deans. Howard taught Physical Education, Drivers Education, and American History; Pat taught kindergarten for 27 years; and their son Jeff taught in the Eloy Elementary District for 37 years. Howard also was a devoted member and deacon at First Southern Baptist Church and served on Grand Canyon College’s Board of Directors.

Not long after his wife Pat’s death, Howard moved back to Wickenburg. There he found love again with Donna Stewart, who brought joy, companionship, and a new extended family into his life. Together, they shared laughter over cards and dominoes, meals out, and evenings watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and the Diamondbacks. His grandson Quinn Stewart was a shining light in his life, capturing his heart in a way only grandchildren can.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Pat; his son Paul; and stepdaughter Leigh. He is survived by his wife Donna; son Jeff Dean; grandson Quinn Stewart; stepdaughters Penny Carroll (Jay) and Carrie Wallace (Bruce); five step-grandchildren; 11 step great-grandchildren; two step great great grandchildren; and unofficial grandchildren Maxim and Yana Braer and their children Artem and Yulia, who live in Moldova but were blessed by his generosity and love from afar.

A memorial service will be held at First Southern Baptist Church in Eloy at 10 a.m. October 25. Lunch will follow at the Santa Cruz High School cafeteria, where friends and family will have the opportunity to share memories and celebrate the life of Coach Dean.

Go Dust Devils.