Gary Wilburn Dean, 72, of Ingram, went to be with the Lord on June 15, 2026. Gary was born in Kerrville, Texas, to Wilburn and Estelle Dean on July 14, 1953. Gary married Betty Ann Berthe, the love of his life, on October 2, 1971, in Kerrville, Texas.
Gary went to school in Ingram, Texas. Gary graduated high school through the Army and later joined the Army in 1972. Gary was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served our country for 10 years. He received multiple awards and achievements during this time. Gary and Betty had two children while Gary served in the Army in Oklahoma. Afterward, Gary owned and operated "Gary Dean Painting" with his wife for more than 40 years.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn and Estelle Dean of Ingram; daughter, Cynthia Dean of Ingram; and his sisters, Evelyn Love Simmons and Judy Sheriff of Ingram.
Gary is survived by his wife, Betty Dean of Ingram; his son, Gary Dean Jr. of Ingram; his brothers, Tony and Randy Dean of Ingram; sisters, Linda Rowan and Patsy Preas of Ingram, Billie Ruth Crider of Fredericksburg, Nelda Mitchell of Harper, and Janie Seeton of Joshua; grandchildren, Dustin Allen of Mountain Home, Courtney Johnson of Kerrville, Megan Dean of Center Point, Bridget Dean of Kerrville, and Weston Dean of Ingram; and great-grandchildren, Carter Friedrichs, Jaiden Allen, Skyla Allen, Carsyn Friedrichs, Addilyn Schrader, Breize Cargnel, Camdyn Allen, Jaxxon Friedrichs, Grace Dean, and River Allen. He is also survived by his precious dog, Georgie, and his many friends and family.
Papa, as most of us called him, was very devoted to his family and his wife. Papa was a hard worker and a very honest man. He was a Christian. Papa spent most of his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, outside in the shop or on the porch with a fresh cup of coffee, or fishing. Papa also loved spending time with Grandma. Papa had a great sense of humor and, most of all, a big heart. Papa's memory will forever be carried on through his wife, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others.
Papa was the kind of man whose greatest joy was his family. The way he looked at each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the way he held them, played with them, and soaked up every moment with them tells you everything you need to know about who he was. Papa's lap was always open. His heart was always full, and the love he had for his family was evident in every smile, every conversation, and every memory he created with them.
Funeral services will be held graveside at Nichols Cemetery in Ingram, Texas, on June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Randy Dean will be officiating the service.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Allen, Weston Dean, Crow Schrader, Gary Dean Jr., Jason Dean, and Leslie Buck.
The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the nurses, doctors, hospice staff, and family who have helped in many ways during this time.