Arthur \A. J.\ Dean, 92, of Big Spring, died Monday, March 6, 2017 in a local care center. Graveside funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at the Wingate Cemetery in Wingate, Texas. Memorial services will be 6:00 PM Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the First Baptist Church Chapel.He was born June 26, 1924 to Roland Ray and Nina Lorena Gannaway Dean at the Dean Family Homeplace in Wingate, Texas, He married Ludie Compton December 5, 1943 in Ballinger, Texas. She preceded him in death May 25, 1997. He then married LaVerne Hull September 2, 2000 in Big Spring, Texas.A. J. served in the United States Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Big Spring and served as a deacon and taught first grade Sunday School for many years. He was also a member of the Gideons International and Kiwanis Club. He retired from the Texas Department of Highways and Transportation.Survivors include his wife, LaVerne Dean of Big Spring; his children, Joe Dean and wife, Sandy, and Kathy Grisham all of Abilene, Terri Johansen and husband, Carl, Rusty Hull and wife, Debra, Randy Hull and Gary Hull and wife, Paulla all of Big Spring; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two brothers, C. Ray Dean of Ballinger and Hollis Dean of Wingate: a sister, Margaret Bodine of New Braunfels; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lorena Polk and Marie Brannon; and three brothers, Wesley Dean, R. B. Dean and Carroll Dean.The family suggests memorials to Gideons International, Big Spring Camp #U42060, P. O. Box 133, Big Spring, Texas 79721.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com,
