Carol Dean Thompson

Dean was born on his grandfather’s farm two miles south of Worthington, Missouri. He lived there until the age of 12, when his grandmother passed away. Those early years on the farm—with its 35 sheep, four pigs, and 10 Jersey cows—shaped a lifelong appreciation for hard work and simple living. After his grandmother’s death, his parents moved the family to Rockford, Illinois, for work. At 15, Dean began working at a sawmill in Iowa. Two years later, with few options ahead of him, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He completed 53 jumps and was stationed in Okinawa before leaving the military prior to the escalation of the Vietnam War.

It was while playing in a country band that Dean met the love of his life, Gloria. She had come to watch him perform, and their connection was immediate. They were married on October 23, 1965, and had just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

He drove truck as a Teamster for 16 years, first with BMac and later with Shippers Dispatch (later Preston). He then worked as a welder laying gas pipelines before starting his own blacktop business. His final career chapter spanned 25 years with TK Hearing Conservation Group—first full-time on the road, later a mix of road and office work, and eventually in the Rockford office. During those years he and Gloria purchased a four-family apartment building; They lived in one of the units while traveling. The company’s owner, Tom Gerrihan, treated Dean and Gloria with lasting kindness that the family has never forgotten.

In later years Dean dedicated his life to Jehovah God. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on March 4, 2023, and served faithfully until his death. He held a strong hope of being resurrected to life on a paradise earth, restored to perfect health, and reunited with his loved ones.

Dean was a simple, kind, and generous man. He was always quick to lend a helping hand, putting others’ needs ahead of his own. He left an example worthy of imitation.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Vesper and Colene; his brother, Joe and sister, Viola; and his son, Chris. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Gloria; his daughter, Carol; his granddaughter, Mikayla; and his grandson, Eli.

A private family burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens to remember Dean’s life of quiet strength, hard work, and generosity.