John L. Dean, 98, died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Countryside Lakes Assisted Living in Daytona Beach Florida. He was a long time resident of Ocala, Florida and member of the First Baptist Church in Ocala.
He was born in Goodwater, Alabama on June 27, 1920 to the late George Washington Dean and Margaret Alice Dean. He was the 6th of 12 brothers and sisters. He was married to the late Ruby E. Dean for 68 wonderful years.
After graduating from Goodwater High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He joined the First Air Commandos, a volunteer group that served in the China-Burma-India theatre of WWII. Among other citations, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. After his military service, he worked for Florida Power Corporation for more than 30 years. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. He and his wife Ruby, enjoyed many years of travelling and camping.
He is survived by a daughter, Paula Atkerson (Phil) and a son, John Steven Dean (Linda). Also remaining to cherish his memory, a granddaughter, Marni McCoy (Rob), two grandsons, John B. Dean and Joshua S. Dean and three great grandchildren, Cody McCoy (Kasey), Tyler McCoy, and Samantha Dean.
Visitation will be held at Roberts Bruce Chapel East, 2739 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, Florida on Saturday, January 12th, 2019 at 10:00 AM. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM following the Visitation Gathering.
Interment will immediately follow at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens, 5050 SW 20th Street, Ocala, Florida. Active duty Air Force will be in attendance to render Military Honors in recognition of John L. Dean’s dedicated service to a grateful Nation.
I lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice group that cared for him: Vitas Healthcare, 575 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. Suite A, Daytona Beach, FL. 32119.