ATHENS- Richard “Dick” Dean of Athens passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 24, 2025.
He was born in Amesville, Ohio on August 31, 1938, to the late Raymond and Elsie Dean. Dick was a wise and revered academic, graduating from Ames-Bern High School and then studying at Ohio University on an ROTC scholarship, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Dick fulfilled his military obligation honored as a First Lieutenant, stationed in Korea within an Army MASH unit as a hospital administrator.
After completing his military service, Dick went on to Stanford University, achieving his Ph.D. which led to a long and tenured career as a professor at Ohio University in the Hearing and Speech Department; his focus – speech disorders. Dr. Dick Dean was a mentor and teacher, touching the lives of innumerable students during his four decade career with the University. Professionals from far and wide remember learning under his tutelage often sharing stories of laugher, along with respect for his expertise.
Dick lived and raised his children in Athens, OH. Dick was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd where he enjoyed singing in the choir. Dick enjoyed giving back to the community. He served as a Scout Master with Athens Troop 53. During his retirement, he especially enjoyed participating in local Barbershop group, reenactments where he represented Ephraim Cutler, volunteering to connect fresh produce to those in need, and traveling to see his grandchildren living in various parts of the states. Dick was an avid historian and enjoyed family genealogy.
Dick is preceded in death by his brother Jim (Nita). He is survived by his brothers Larry (Karen) and Gary (Judy), wife Phyllis, his first wife Sara, children Alisa (Steve) Peterson, Laurel (Lucky) Waller, Nathan (Kate) Dean, and Emily (Tony) Norris, step-daughters Melissa Roberts and Sonja Roberts, and many beloved grandchildren: Max (Sarah), Brandi (Tristan), Sasha, Kimberlee, Melanee, Amanda, Tyler, Samuel, Isaac, Oliver, Amara, and Clara, and great grandchildren, Liam and Jack.
Visitation will be in Athens, Ohio on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home with the funeral on Monday, March 3rd, at 11a.m. (also at Jagers Funeral Home) with burial in Amesville Cemetery directly after. Rev. Robert Hill will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action (https://hapcap.org/). Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
