William "Ricky" Richard Dean

William Richard Dean, also known as “Ricky”, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, the 17th day of February 2021. He passed away at UT Health East Texas in Tyler at the age of 75. Mr. Dean was born on the 24th day of October 1945, in Palestine, Texas, to parents William Grady Dean and Mavis Lucille Morris Dean.

Mr. Dean was born and raised in Palestine. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy and served our country for four years during the Vietnam War.  Mr. Dean began his career as a Police officer for the Palestine Police Department.  He later began a second career and retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after 35 years of dedication.  Mr. Dean was very involved with his Broyles Chapel Baptist Church family and he loved them all dearly.  Mr. Dean and his beloved wife, Donna, loved to make memories traveling in their camper all over the country. He also enjoyed vacationing with his family, especially his grandchildren.  The family gatherings will not be the same without Mr. Dean’s presence.

Mr. Dean is survived by his wife of 19 years, Donna Dean; sons, Shane Dean and wife Kellie of New Jersey, Trace Dean and wife Amie of Tyler, Richard Dean and wife Miria of Red Town; and stepsons, Robert Maines and wife Brandi, and Jerry Lee Maines, all of Henderson.  He also leaves behind his sister, Patsy Irons and husband Ronald of New Mexico and 13 grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mavis Dean.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 24th day of February 2021 at Rhone Funeral Home.

A funeral service to celebrate Mr. Dean’s life is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 25th day of February 2021 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Michael Lumpkins officiating.  Interment will follow in Land of Memory Cemetery.

Guests may also view the service via internet livestream at Rhone Funeral Home's Facebook Page. There guest may also share memories and words of comfort and condolences electronically for his family.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Shane Dean, Trace Dean, Richard Dean, Robert Maines, Kenny Betsill and Neal Morris.

KINDLY NOTE: for the health and safety of all guests, current state and local health protocols requiring social distancing and the wearing of facemasks are being strictly enforced at both events. 

Funeral services for William Richard Dean are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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