James D. 'Jimmy D. Dean' Dean

James D. "Jimmy" Dean, 69, passed away September 12 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes and heart disease. Jimmy was born June 27, 1943 to "F.J." and Jewell Emilee Dean in Lawton, OK. He was winning pitcher for the Lawton High School 1962 state championship baseball team, and graduated from Lawton High School in 1962. He attended Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He married the love of his life, Karen Ann Wright on July 1st, 1967 in Lawton. They moved to Weatherford, OK and then to Oklahoma City in 1969. Jimmy was store manager and salesman at Devoe Paint Co. and retired after 25 years. He served six years in the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. Jimmy was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, tinkering with cars, golfing, playing "42" dominoes, attending OSU football games, tailgating with friends, and watching Thunder basketball games. As "Gampaw" to his granddaughter, he loved making her smile by talking "Donald Duck" to her. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Karen of the home; daughter Melissa "Missy" and her husband Mike Cullers, OKC; granddaughter Michaela Ann who he affectionately called "Puddin'", OKC; brother Paul Dean and wife Oleta, Lawton; brother Kenneth Dean and wife Peggy, Odessa, TX; brother-in-law Joe Lightsey, Jonesboro, TX; and many loving members of both the Dean and Wright families. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Erma and brother-in-law John C. Elkins; brother Bill and sister-in-law Lila Dean; sister Floella Lightsey; and nephew Jeff Miller. Jimmy and his family were grateful for the doctors and staff of Mercy Health Center and Oklahoma Heart Hospital-North Campus, OKC for the dedication and compassionate care they gave him over the many years of his health challenges.