David Franklin Dean

David Franklin Dean, 63, died Thursday, September 8, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family, after waging a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Visitation is 4:00 P.M. Monday, September 12 at Christ Life Church of the Highlands on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, with a memorial service following at 5:15 P.M. A private burial will take place at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland. Wright & Ferguson is handling arrangements.

David was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Nan (Morgan) Dean, and his stepmother Doris Bolian Dean. He was a graduate of Murrah High School where he excelled in football and theatre, and later earned Bachelor and Masters degrees from The University of Mississippi where he was an Ole Miss Cheerleader and member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then became a member of the faculty at Northeast MS Community College, where he taught Speech & Theatre, before being named Director of Public Relations for the MS Dept. of Public Safety. For the past 31 years David worked tirelessly as Administrator of Business Development/Marketing for Dean and Dean/ Associates Architects, the firm founded in 1949 by his father. David was admired and respected by all who knew him for his unbounded love for and total commitment to his family and his Lord Jesus Christ. An ordained minister, he loved to study and preach the Word, and did so for many years through his involvement in prison ministries, which he continued until his health would not allow. He gave unselfishly of his time and resources to help countless people to whom he had ministered. David’s spiritual strength and steadfast faith will be his lasting legacy.

David leaves to cherish wonderful memories his loving and devoted wife Charlyn and their children Shawn Dean (Laura Beth), Shannon Dean Brock, Nathan Dean (Kendle), Jana Dean Rodrigues (Marcos) Alison Dean, and nine grandchildren. He leaves one sister Becky Dean Cox (Cliff) of Birmingham, and brother Richard Dean (Beth) of Madison; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tammy Young, Dr. Joe Ross and the nurses and staff at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. We also acknowledge the many visits, prayers, and expressions of love and support from countless friends and family during the long illness of our precious loved one. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the David F. Dean Ministry Fund at Trustmark National Bank or The American Cancer Society.