Leroy Christian Dean Sr.

LeRoy Christian Dean, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 16, 2025. Born on July 11, 1932, in Marion, he was the cherished son of Lavina (Jim) Harvey and Nelson (Mildred) Dean. LeRoy grew up in Oakland Heights and attended Harding High School, where he formed lifelong friendships. He met the love of his life, Marilyn Jo Dean (Kellogg), while attending Edison Middle School, and they shared a beautiful journey together, marrying on May 29, 1952. Marilyn preceded him in death. LeRoy was a Veteran, having served in the Army Reserve, 13th Infantry. He worked at BF Goodrich for 17 years and began working toward starting his construction company, Dean Construction. While running Dean Construction, LeRoy remodeled houses and businesses and built numerous homes throughout Marion County until he retired. After retirement, LeRoy kept busy owning and running
other businesses – D&D Home Entertainment Center, 3-D Carwash, and attending countless craft shows selling his handcrafted items. LeRoy could frequently be found at McDonalds for morning coffee and enjoyed wood carving, as a member of a wood carving club in Marion. He discovered a passion for golf in retirement and after 5 years of playing he made a hole-in-one at Green Acres. His hobbies also included bowling in various leagues, playing in softball church leagues and collecting guns as he enjoyed frequently attending gun shows. LeRoy was also an avid hunter during deer season. Known as Gramps, Papi, Pa, Papa and the Great, LeRoy was always available to help take his grandchildren to their various activities, while also supporting them by attending their games and contests. He cherished his wife, Marilyn, celebrating 71 years before Marilyn’s passing in early 2024. Their love served as an example to their family and their home was always welcoming and the center for family gatherings. LeRoy was a devout member of Oakland United Methodist Church for over five decades, and in recent years, found solace and community at Mt. Vernon Avenue Church of Christ. His faith remained strong and steady through both joyous and challenging times.

LeRoy is survived by his daughter, Sherry Keller; grandchildren, Shawn (Holly) Keller, Dublin, Ohio, Michelle (Clay) Tillman, Marion, Ohio, Courtney Hostetter, Lewis Center, Ohio, Sam (Emilee) Hostetter, Van Wert, Ohio, Brian (Laura) Dean, Powell, Ohio, Angela (Ryan) Weber, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Chris (Nicole) Fox, Indianapolis, Indiana; great-grandchildren: Zach, Elise, Jacquelynne, Alex, Ryleigh, Kaycee, Paislee, Rylee, Ethan, Audrey, Paige, Mason, Owen; great-great-grandchildren Avianna, Zayden, Ronan, Autzen, Haisley, Karter; his brother-in-law, Jack
Kellogg; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, LeRoy was preceded in death by his children, Carol Lynn Dean, LeRoy C. Dean, Jr., and Lori Beth Hostetter, as well as his brother, Harold Dean. Family and friends may gather to honor LeRoy’s life on Tuesday, January 21 st from 10 am to 12 pm at the Boyd Funeral Home.

A memorial service will take place at 12 pm at the funeral home. In his memory, memorial contributions can be made to Mt. Vernon Avenue Church of Christ or the American Cancer Society, both organizations close to LeRoy’s heart. LeRoy’s life was a testament to family and faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leroy Christian Dean Sr., please visit our floral store.