Thomas Joseph Dean

Thomas Joseph Dean

(Coach Joe Dean) 85

2/9/38-11/20/23

Husband, son brother, dad, uncle friend. Our family and community, sadly, lost a rock and pillar on Monday, November 20, 2023, when Thomas Joseph Dean, favorably and lovingly known as Joe Dean, aka: Coach Joe Dean, Uncle Joe, Dad, and Papa, passed into eternal life. Joe, who was born in Union Springs, Alabama, on February 9, 1938, passed peacefully with family beside him after bravely journeying through Alzheimer’s. He never complained even once and set an amazing example to all of how to battle the horrors of Alzheimer’s with faith and dignity. From the time joe was a young child until his last breath he loved, believed in and followed his Lord Jesus Christ. His Christ-like example led many to the Lord. Joe served his church community as youth director, deacon, and chair of deacons. As a biology teacher and coach, he witnessed daily to many, many students, parents, and other teachers of the goodness and faithfulness to the lord Jesus. This was the most important part of joe’s life and he achieved this greatly. Everyone who ever met joe dean loved him and came away feeling loved, especially by God.

Joe was an avid runner, who ran both the Chicago Marathon and the Peachtree Marathon, in addition to 27 Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathons. Joe- you ran an amazing life race and you finished well! 2 Timothy 4:7.

Joe is survived by his loving and adoring wife Deborah Jean Dean, his two sons, Joseph Colin Dean and Scott Matthew Dean (Heather); his sister Redona Dean Heyen (George) of Georgia; his four grandchildren Jordan, Matthew, Emma, Benjamin; his great-grandson Ty Robinson; sister-in-law Linda Crail Havens; brothers-in-law Ron and John McLanahan; nieces Rebecca Heyen Baskin (Joey), Pamela Havens Thilking (Alan), Jennifer Havens Cordes (Shane); and his nephew, John Dean Heyen (Lynn); and great-niece Evie Heyen. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Joseph Matthew Dean and Elizabeth Pierce Dean; and his brother-in-law George Heyen.  

Rest in peace our dearly beloved Joe! Thank you for a life well-lived and for your sweet “goodnight” kiss as you soared into heaven for your eternal life with your savior and lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

Psalm 73:26 – my flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday December 10^th at 3pm at Chapel in the Woods (1407 Moser Rd, Louisville, KY 40299), with Pastor Greg Allen of Southeast Crestwood officiating.