Dale Gene Dean

Born: September 5, 1935 Leavenworth, Kansas

Died: August 30, 2025 Surprise, Arizona

Dale Gene Dean was born September 5, 1935 to Mildred (Miller) and Joseph Fred Dean, in Leavenworth, Kansas. His family relocated to Granger, Washington in 1949. It was there that Dale met and fell in love with the love of his life, Martha "Nez" Vaughn. They were wed on November 22, 1953 in Sunnyside, WA; a marriage that would span 70 years. He and Nez were later to welcome three children, Dale (Ed) Dean (Cindy Clark Dean), Karen Dean Moskvin, and Clifford Dean (Peggy Ewing Dean).

Dale's aerospace career led the family to several destinations, from California, to Texas, Oregon and Washington. Their love of the outdoors was passed on to their children through their many camping and hiking adventures. Later, Dale would lovingly welcome seven grandchildren, Jon, Jeffrey, Jessica, Emily, Sara, Terina and Justin. Dale was a hands-on Papa, always there for his grandchildren. He made their lives an adventure and always added a great sense of fun!

Once Dale retired, he and Nez enjoyed many years of RV'ing across the U.S. and Mexico. They stockpiled memories that kept them reminiscing and laughing throughout their golden years. After they concluded their travels, they settled into retirement in their home in Yakima, WA, where Dale dove into his hobbies. His greatest enjoyment was the outdoors! Dale would pack up and head out to the Cascades with his beloved dog, Britt. They spent many wonderful times fishing by Britt's favorite lake, all the way until Dale reached 80 years of age! Dale was a loyal fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, and especially the University of Washington Huskies! GO DAWGS! He loved his church in Yakima and developed a close-knit church family there. He loved to golf, mountain bike and water walk. Dale spent many years competing in Cross-country and Enduro dirt bike racing on his Greeves 250cc. It was built tough just like he was. Dale was a voracious reader and always enjoyed discussing all the newest hot topics of the day. Being an engineer, Dale remained an astute "techy" until the end. Technology was never too far advanced for him!

As a young man, Dale was very involved in high school sports and extra-curricular activities at Granger High School. He was Vice President of his senior class and was also awarded "Most Inspirational Player" of his varsity football team.

Later in life, Dale and Nez moved to sunny Arizona where they continued to bask in their retirement, calling this time, their "Golden Years." Over the years, Dale and Nez lovingly welcomed 15 great-grandchildren.

After 70 years of marriage, Dale lost his "darling" love of his life, Nez, in April of 2024. We all saw his heartache and he often spoke of the great day when they would reunite in Heaven. There is no doubt that Nez was awaiting his arrival with her loving arms open wide! Their favorite song was, "Always" by Patsy Cline. It was their wedding song, and if you listen to it, it says it all.

Because we believe in God's promise, we look forward to the day when we will again reunite with Dale, Dad, Papa. Until then, we take comfort in the many loving memories he has left with us.

Though grief may cast a shadow upon our hearts, the light of Christ's love shines brightest in our darkest hour.