Thomas David Dean, Sr.

Thomas David "Opa" Dean Sr., age 83, of Waco, walked into Heaven on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2014 at his residence. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Rev. Todd Ewing and Minister Deral McWhorter officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at Closner Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Thomas was born on October 8, 1930 in Scottsboro, Alabama, the son of Robert V. and Ida Mae (Precise) Dean. He was a 1949 graduate of Scottsboro High School and received his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Husbandry from Auburn University in 1953. Thomas was united in marriage to Rachel Faye Simpson on October 15, 1955 in West. He served his country in the United States Air Force. Thomas was a navigator and supply officer, stationed in Europe during the Korean Conflict. He then worked as a claims adjuster and Manager for Trinity Universal Insurance Company until his retirement in 1996. Thomas was a member of First United Methodist Church in West. He was also a member of Theta Zi at Auburn, Masonic Lodge in Hollywood, Alabama, Scottish Rite, and Karem Shriners in Waco. Thomas enjoyed reading, watching all types of sports, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Rachel Dean of Waco; two sons, Thomas David "Tom" Dean II and his wife Lynn of San Antonio, and Guy Robert Dean and his wife Tilli of Gatesville; four grandchildren, Katelyn Kasper and her husband Matthew of McGregor, David Dean of San Antonio, Jordan Dean and Hunter Dean of Gatesville; great-granddaughter Aniston; and several other relatives and friends. Active Pallbearers are Tom's Boys: Tony Biello, Bill Birdwell, Butch Laskoskie, John Marlowe, Daryl Schlemmer, Joe Stalling, Bobby Golden and here in spirit, Richard Urbanovsky. Honorary pallbearers are all of Thomas's family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Association, the West Rest Haven Disaster Relief Fund, or Fuzzy Friends.