March 19, 2023, 74, La Grange –

January 3, 1949 – March 19, 2023

Lonnie Norman Dean, Jr., 74, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 19, 2023. He was born in Galveston County, Texas to the late Lonnie Norman Dean, Sr., and Margie Shutt Dean on January 3, 1949. In addition to his parents, Lonnie was preceded in death by his brother, Garry Wayne Dean.

With a career in the United States Air Force, Lonnie was a proud patriot with a love of his country and a sense of duty to protect it. His life inside and outside of the base reflected his sense of work ethic, organization, and responsibility. Lonnie retired from the military after more than 20 years of service.

There were rarely times when Lonnie could not take a broken thing and fix it. He could tear it apart, make the necessary changes, and put it back together. Whether at work or at home, Lonnie believed in steering clear of idle hands. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and most outdoor activities in general. Lonnie even served as a Boy Scout Troop leader. Most importantly, Lonnie worked hard to serve others.

Being the “hands and feet” of Jesus, Lonnie worked to provide meals for those who had none. He truly had a servant’s heart and thrived when helping those in need. He was always high-spirited, uplifting those around him and working to place a smile on everyone’s face. Lonnie was a longtime member of Generation Church in Goldsboro, where he often donated his time and labor to the needs of others.

At the forefront of Lonnie’s life was his family. He dearly loved his wife, Diane, and was a wonderful father to his children. Nothing was quite as special as the times spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though he departed this life too soon, Lonnie’s family will continue his legacy.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at Rouse Funeral Home on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 3 p.m. with committal to follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation in the hour before the service.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Diane Martha Bennett Dean; children, Lonnie N. Dean, III (Kimberly) and Pamela Reinhold (Robbie); grandchildren, Alicia Melvin, Alexis Dean, Mark Jacques, Beverly Jacques, Matthew Reinhold, and Bobby Reinhold; great-grandchildren, Matthew Chase Melvin and Daelyn Jacques; siblings, Larry Dean (Winn), Valinda Brock, Brenda Riddle (Mike), Regina Bridgman (Jim), Sandra Calhoun, and Joe Dean; four step-children; eight step-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.