Donald "Don" Eugene Dean

Don spent his entire life in Wichita, where his father worked as a supervisor at Cessna and his mother managed the family's laundromats. From an early age, Don had a passion for hard work. At about 9 years old, he began helping his mother at the laundromats by collecting money from the machines and wiping down each washer. Don attended South High School, where he completed grades 9 through 12. He spent all of his free time working at the laundromats. After graduating from high school, Don began working at Coca-Cola. He worked there for two years before starting his career at Boeing at the age of 20.

In the fall of 1973, Don met the love of his life, Paula Jennings, on a blind date. They became engaged on Christmas Day in 1973 and wewe married on May 17, 1974.

The couple remained in Wichita, where Don continued his work at Boeing. In 1976, he began his rental property business by building two triplexes. On March 13, 1978, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Mary Allison.

In 1980, the couple completed their family with the birth of their son, John Paul. Don was a fun and devoted dad. Every July, Boeing would shut down his department for two weeks, allowing the family to take their annual summer vacation. They would spend the first week in Alabama visiting Paula's family, then travel to a different destination for more adventures. Don loved traveling and spending time with his family. It was a tradition he later continued with his grandchildren.

In 1995, Don and his business partners purchased their first apartment complex, Sugar Creek Apartments, in east Wichita. He enjoyed managing the property and overseeing daily operations, including remodeling apartments and working closely with the management team. In 1997, his daughter Mary, joined him in managing the apartments, and they worked side by side for nearly 30 years. In 2007, Don accepted "The Golden Handshake" from Boeing and retired at the age of 55 after 35 years of dedicated service.

In 1999, Don welcomed his first grandson, Adam James. From that point forward, he devoted much of his life to his grandchildren. He and Paula attended every sporting event, concert, and theater production in which their grandchildren participated. Don also loved taking them to Branson, Disney World, and the beach each summer. His greatest joy came from seeing smiles and excitement on their faces.

Don was a man of God who lived out his faith through his actions every day. He consistently put the needs of others before his own and always willing to lend a helping hand. He led by example, treating everyone with love, respect, and kindness.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Bland and Loretha Dean.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Paula Dean; his children, Mary (Jason) Allen and John (Lindsey) Dean; his grandchildren, Adam (Kayti) Allen, Emily (Austin) Campbell, Jackson Allen, Gracie (Braden) Dean, and Sadie Burr; his stepmother, Imogene Dean; and his brothers, Larry Dean and Randy Dean.

Public Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Northside Church of Christ, 4545 North Meridian Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67204. Interment will follow with a procession to Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Christus, Wichita.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Carpenter Place, 1501 North Meridian Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67203.