Lonnie Ralph Dean

Lonnie Ralph Dean

September 24, 1942 — August 26, 2019

Lonnie Ralph Dean, 76, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away on Aug. 26, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born to Wallace and Elaine (Bigelow) Dean on Sept. 24, 1942 in Bristol, South Dakota.

Lonnie’s family moved from South Dakota to Washington State while he was young and then settled in Omaha, Nebraska. Lonnie spent the majority of his childhood in Omaha and then joined the Navy. Lonnie proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 – 1965, where he earned his GED. He was deployed to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His service was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Lonnie enjoyed building trikes. He would take old VW Beetles, chop them, add a springer front end and he would have a masterpiece. Due to the power of his machines, all the trikes had to have custom wheelie bars so Lonnie wouldn’t flip them over. Lonnie was very much a Jack of All Trades. Some of his favorite skills involved welding, metal work such as tool and die, carpentry, and mechanics. He enjoyed woodworking and made many decorative pieces like shelves, cabinets, and yard gnomes. He also created several custom therapeutic pieces of equipment to accommodate the special needs of his son, Hal. His jovial, and often sarcastic, but loving personality will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Eileen (Spenner) Dean of Kingsland, Texas; sons, Charles Dean of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Eric Dean of Kingsland, Texas; daughters, Brandi Dean of Kingsland, Texas, and Renee Griego (spouse James) of Llano, Texas; grandchildren, Jaycee, Riley, Derek and Aria; as well as 3 sisters; 2 brothers; numerous nieces; nephews; extended family; and friends.

We are comforted in knowing that he has joined his son Hal Wallace Dean; parents, Wallace and Elaine Dean; brother, Gary Dean; and other family and friends in their Heavenly Home.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at Putnam Funeral Home in Kingsland, Texas with Reverend Doug Lindley officiating and the Highland Lakes Honor Guard furnishing Military Honors. An online guest register may be signed at PutnamCares.com

Lonnie’s care is entrusted to Putnam Funeral Home and Crematorium, 145 Texas Avenue, Kingsland, Texas 78639. (325)388-0008.