Carroll Dean Knight

Dean was many things to many people throughout his life, but nothing better defines him than the word “Dad.” During their 44 years of marriage Dean and his wife, Karen, reared five children together –Tammee, Shane, Andrea, Randell, and Kayla – and they supported more than twenty-five foster children, two of whom remain closely connected to the family –Debbie and Cindy. As a father he always put the needs of his family before his own. He coached nearly every sport, led Girl Scouts, took his family on hikes, road trips, and camping. He passed on to his children not only his short physical stature, but a love for reading and an understanding that the world is much larger than themselves. He also taught his family how to laugh and enjoy life. He instigated food fights over dinner. He won a water war by pulling a hose through the house spraying everyone who sought refuge inside. On a family trip to Hawaii he packed a suitcase full of toilet paper, plastic bowler hats and Three Stooges glasses because, well … you can never have too many of those. Working at night, he was always available to participate in school activities. He volunteered for field trips, assisted teachers in the classroom, helped organize events, and coached sports. Every day he showed his family how much he valued them by investing himself in their lives and the lives of their friends.

Dean’s love for family wasn’t just with his own wife and children. He loved his siblings and their children beyond measure. He was always there for his sister Judy, and his brothers Tony and Jack. He loved their children as much as he loved his own kids.

Dean was drafted into the Army in 1967. He served two tours in Vietnam as the door gunner on a Loach helicopter with the 1st Air Cavalry. Dean’s actions in Vietnam earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star with a V for Valor, and several other commendations. Dean almost never talked about his experiences in Vietnam, but those two years deeply impacted his life. He learned the physicality and strength of character instilled in him throughout his training, which he enjoyed, and developed a deeper understanding of loss and sacrifice than most people will ever truly understand.

Dean lived a humble and honorable life. He served his country with dignity. His served his family with love. He served his neighbors with a smile and a wave. He reached out to help those less fortunate. Even when a dollar was tight he found ways to help those who had less. He was a great mentor to his coworkers and to the hundreds of student athletes he coached over the years. Through his actions he showed everyone around him what self-sacrifice looked like. He modeled empathy. He taught giving of himself in service to others. He taught unconditional love.

After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s brought on by his experiences in Vietnam, on March 29, 2015, Dean passed away with his wife at his side. The legacy Dean leaves is the memory and influence he had on everyone he knew. He was very well respected and liked by everyone who knew him. His family would ask that you honor his life and continue his legacy by waving to a neighbor, making someone smile, or petting a dog - all things he did nearly every day of his life.

Dean is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen; his children Tammee, Shane, Andrea, Randell, and Kayla; his grandchildren Zac, Summer, Ethan, Cooper, Sammy, and Emerson; his sister Judy; and dozens of nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.