Obituary of Donald Dale Dean

Donald Dale Dean, age 87, of Buckhannon, WV arrived at Heaven’s gate Sunday, March 16, 2025. He was born June 28, 1937, in Buckhannon, the youngest child of Oran Dale and Hilton Virginia Westfall Dean. On October 25, 1958, he was united in marriage to Sylvia Jean Shipman Dean, who survives. Along with his loving wife of 66 years, he is survived by three children, Melissa Stimeling and husband Charlie, Ronald Dean and wife Carol, and Wayne Dean and wife Sheryl; three grandchildren, Clay Stimeling and wife Tiffany, Heather Wilkins, and Cody Dean and wife DeAnna; seven great-grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Ann Miller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Dean and Harold Dean, and grandson, Travis Stimeling. Don was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired coal miner. He attended Buckhannon Union Mission Church and was a Christian by faith. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Alyssa, Joyce, and Jack with WV Hospice for their loving care during his last days. Friends will be received Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 1 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Dennis Estes and Rev. Mark Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Buckhannon Memorial Park. The Upshur County Honor Guard will perform military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boystown or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Mr. Dean’s memory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.