Otis Shacklette Dean, 91, of Harrisonburg went home to his Heavenly Father the morning of July 5, 2010. Mr. Dean died at Rockingham Memorial Hospital after an extended stay at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Dean had lived in Harrisonburg for the past two years and previously had been a life long resident of the Elkton area.
Mr. Dean was born April 24, 1919 in Elkton and was the son of the late John Millard Dean and Lillie Eppard. Mr. Dean was raised in the Swift Run area then in the Mount Pleasant area of Elkton as a child when his family moved as a result of the founding of the Shenandoah National Park.
Mr. Dean served in the CC Corp during the early 1930’s and in the Air Force during WW II in Northern Africa, Sicily, Italy and Southern France. Mr. Dean retired from Merck & Co in 1984 after 35 years of service. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed building and making furniture. He was a member of the Elkton Evangelical United Methodist Church where he had served in various capacities including trustee and was also a lifetime member of Gooden Brothers VFW Post 9292. Mr. Dean was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
His wife, Eula M. Dean, survives. They were married on June 28, 1947. Also surviving are two sons, Keith Dean and wife, Linda, of Dillion, S.C. and Greg Dean and wife, Sue, of Harrisonburg, VA. Mr. Dean is also survived by six grand children. Justin Evans and wife, Jennifer, of Dillion S.C., Nicholas Dean and wife, Maurine, of Latta, S.C., Coleby Dean of Dillon, S.C, Joshua Dean, Matthew Dean and Janelle Dean all of Harrisonburg. Elmer Davis Jr. and Kathy Davis Grubbs also are considered part of the family. Surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition he is survived by three great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, July 6, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg, VA. Friends may visit Eula at Harrisonburg Health and Rehab or Greg and Sue Dean at their home. The funeral was held on July 7, at the Elkton Evangelical United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Following was an interment service at the graveside at Elks Run Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Mr. Dean to Evangelical United Methodist Church, 513 Spotswood Ave., Elkton, VA 22827. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kygers.com .
