Oliver Wendell Dean

Oliver Wendell Dean, 94, of Midland, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023.  The family will receive friends from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00am, Monday, June 19, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Gerlach officiating.  Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Oliver Wendell Dean was born on February 2, 1929 in Elmore City, OK to Jesse Homer and Mittie Leona Brown Dean.  

He was raised in Antioch, OK and went to school in Maysville, OK.  He married the love of his life, Imogene “Jean” Yingling on June 14, 1947.  They celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing in 2013.  They had two sons, Scott Randall “Randy” and Greggory Lynn Dean.  

He started working for Tulsa Rig & Reel on June 11, 1947 to build standard derricks.  In 1957 he began his career with Flint Engineering & Construction Co.  He lived in Brownfield, TX, Hobbs, NM, Cortez, CO, Moab & Vernal, UT, and Gillette, WY before moving to Midland, TX in 1987.  He retired as Manager of Marketing & Business Development in 1993 after a 37 year career at Flint, completing a 47 year work career in the petroleum industry.  

He was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan of all sports and took a lot of ribbing from his Texas friends when OU seldom lost a game.  He enjoyed playing golf with his sons in a competition for a bragging rights trophy.   

He had a personality that created lifelong friendships and he had a true servant’s heart.   He walked and talked his Christian faith and served as a Deacon in churches wherever he lived, lastly serving at Crestview Baptist Church.  He enjoyed serving through the Crestview Senior Adult Ministry with XYZ and Senior game day.   He was a wicked card player with his family.   He was known for making pecan pies, cowboy potatoes, cornbread and peanut brittle.   He did, however, have a disdain for raspberries.  He was recognized for delivering Meals on Wheels for 23 years and eventually enjoyed the service himself.  

He is survived by his two sons, Scott Randall “Randy” (Linda) Dean & Greggory Lynn “Gregg” (Trina) Dean.  Three grandchildren, Kris Dean, Josh (Kristina), Aubrie (Shawn) West & bonus grandchildren Kevin (Ashley) Donohue, Kari (Mike) LaVigne, Eydie (Nate) Brockman, Tessa Guelker and Clay (Addison) Guelker.  Great Grandchildren:  Brooklin, Owen & Willow Jean Dean, Rivers Getz, Milo Oliver & Thatcher West; Logan & Avery Donohue; Avery & Graham Guelker; Ledgen & Brock Guelker.  

Wendell is preceded in death by his wife Jean on 3/23/2013, his parents, brothers Chester Dean, Jess Dean, Melvin Dean and grandson Grant Guelker. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends that he loved and they considered as their segregate Dad or Grandpa.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Senior Life Midland, PO Box 80519, Midland, TX 79708 OR Hesperus Baptist Camp, 22265 Hwy 140, Hesperus, CO  81326 in the memory of Wendell Dean.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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