Elmer Dean Eagan (2019)

August 29, 1928 - November 29, 2019

Dean was born to Arthur and Lena Eagan in Lamar, Nebraska, where he and his two sisters LaDonna and Betty, lived in a basement house on a large family farm. As a teenager, a big adventure for him was working and following the wheat harvest from Texas to Montana.

After high school Dean enlisted in the Navy where he served on the USS Haven Hospital ship during the Korean War. While in the service, receiving the hometown newspaper, the Imperial Republican, he saw a Graduation picture of Patricia Gleason, also a farm girl and college student living near the next town of Imperial, Nebraska. As a lonely sailor guy, he decided to take the chance of writing her. Soon her rose-scented letters and his replies flew back and forth across the Pacific Ocean. That first letter started a lifetime love affair.

After being discharged, they dated, followed by their marriage in October 26, 1953. Soon two little boys, Michael and Scott were born. Dean was fortunate at that time to get a job in Estes Park, Colorado, moving the family there in 1955. Soon a little girl, Michele, joined her two brothers. After years of saving and cutting corners they decided to plan and build their custom dream house. Their fourth child, Janna, was born during this time. Dean spent the next 16 years building exquisite custom homes in the mountains of Colorado.

To escape the cold winters, it was decided to move to Fountain Hills, Arizona in 1983, where he built another custom home for the family which would also provide a fund for retirement. He continued building in and around the Phoenix area until they were ready to retire.

With the four children having graduated college and starting their own lives, Pat and Dean explored the country in a 5th wheel for several years before finally moving to their last home in Mesa, Arizona. Using his artistic wood working skills, Dean created masterful pieces of Intarsia that they sold, gave to family and friends. They were able to take many cruises around the world during this time.

During Dean’s pastime he thoroughly enjoyed reading western novels and watching baseball and football. Dean and Pat's marriage lasted 66 wonderful years.

He is survived by his 4 kids, 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, his two sisters, Ladonna and Betty and many nieces and nephews.

He will so very fondly be remembered for his quiet gentle nature, his attention to detail, his giving spirit, his master craftsmanship and storytelling abilities. We loved him deeply, he will always be a very big part of our Family.