Donald Kenyon Dean
July 30, 1935 ~ October 1, 2020
Donald Kenyon Dean
July 30, 1935 – October 1, 2020
Don was born on July 30, 1935 in Beloit, Kansas to Hartzell and Jennette Dean; he later became big brother to younger sisters, Janet and Nancy. He spent his early years growing up in Fort Worth, TX, running around the TCU campus as bat boy for the baseball team, tagging along with the basketball team, as well as being the ‘little kid’ in theatre productions. His family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended Will Rogers High School. Don was a terrific basketball player and became the starting point guard for the varsity team. There he met Cora Hicks, who became his sweetheart and they dated throughout their high school years. Both attended Oklahoma State University, and Don joined the ROTC. They were married their sophomore year in 1956. Before their fifth wedding anniversary, Don and Cora had four children: Cliff, Debbie, Cris and David! Five years later, they welcomed Carrie and 10 years later, surprise baby Doug arrived! Life took a turn in August of 1982 as Cora, Carrie, Doug and sister-in-law, Mischelle, headed out on a trip to Oklahoma and had a car accident. Tragically, Cora and Carrie passed away. Don courageously embraced his new role as a single parent in raising 6-year-old Doug, and life continued on.
Don had a successful career with IBM which moved his family often. Beginning with Oklahoma City, OK, they moved to Arlington Heights, IL, onto Worthington, Ohio and then settled in Potomac, MD. After retiring from IBM, Don became a lobbyist for Loral and then Lockheed Martin. His full retirement began in 2000.
Don loved creating experiences and had many interests throughout his life! He raised and showed two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers who became Champions. He collected duck decoys and began DK Dean & Sons buying and selling decoys. He and Doug, spent many Saturdays in Havre de Grace, Maryland visiting local carvers, as well as participating in weekend waterfowl festivals throughout the year. In Don’s later years, he cherished the fellowship with the members of the Potomac Decoy Collectors Association.
Don also enjoyed 37 years breeding and racing thoroughbred horses! He began with one filly named ‘Mt. Airy Mama’ and after a less than stellar racing career, he moved her to the farm to be a brood mare. It was here Don discovered his passion for breeding horses and he became a ‘breed to race’ horseman! He started many racing partnerships with friends and acquaintances to share his love for thoroughbreds. Over the years, he had many brood mares, bred many foals, even multiple Stakes winners. At one point, he had 38 horses in his stable. He loved being around the horses so much, in his 70’s he worked as a hot walker. His kids and grandkids enjoyed many outings to the track and farm, feeding the horses pounds and pounds of carrots to spend time with their Dad and Grandpa.
His love for horses and his love for Christ led Don to the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA). He served as President and as a Board Member for several years providing spiritual resources and support for race tracks across the country. Upon completing his national RTCA terms, Don turned his focus to supporting the local chapters especially in Maryland and West Virginia. He loved being the auctioneer at fundraising auctions and attending the weekly services at the tracks.
In 2005, Don found a fun relationship with Martha Johnson and after dating for five years, they married in May of 2010. Sadly, their marriage ended after 9 years, yet they worked to maintain a friendship. She loved and supported him until his departure and was an amazing friend as he ‘aged out’.
Don is survived by his children Cliff (Mischelle), Debbie McCracken (Steve), Cris (Linda), David (Linda), Doug (Amy), 21 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 7 nieces and nephews. We will miss our father but know that he is now living in Heaven with Jesus and we will see him again!
He will be laid to rest at the United Methodist Church in Potomac, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Race Track Chaplaincy of America in Don’s name is appreciated.
Visit www.rtcanational.org
July 30, 1935 – October 1, 2020
Don was born on July 30, 1935 in Beloit, Kansas to Hartzell and Jennette Dean; he later became big brother to younger sisters, Janet and Nancy. He spent his early years growing up in Fort Worth, TX, running around the TCU campus as bat boy for the baseball team, tagging along with the basketball team, as well as being the ‘little kid’ in theatre productions. His family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended Will Rogers High School. Don was a terrific basketball player and became the starting point guard for the varsity team. There he met Cora Hicks, who became his sweetheart and they dated throughout their high school years. Both attended Oklahoma State University, and Don joined the ROTC. They were married their sophomore year in 1956. Before their fifth wedding anniversary, Don and Cora had four children: Cliff, Debbie, Cris and David! Five years later, they welcomed Carrie and 10 years later, surprise baby Doug arrived! Life took a turn in August of 1982 as Cora, Carrie, Doug and sister-in-law, Mischelle, headed out on a trip to Oklahoma and had a car accident. Tragically, Cora and Carrie passed away. Don courageously embraced his new role as a single parent in raising 6-year-old Doug, and life continued on.
Don had a successful career with IBM which moved his family often. Beginning with Oklahoma City, OK, they moved to Arlington Heights, IL, onto Worthington, Ohio and then settled in Potomac, MD. After retiring from IBM, Don became a lobbyist for Loral and then Lockheed Martin. His full retirement began in 2000.
Don loved creating experiences and had many interests throughout his life! He raised and showed two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers who became Champions. He collected duck decoys and began DK Dean & Sons buying and selling decoys. He and Doug, spent many Saturdays in Havre de Grace, Maryland visiting local carvers, as well as participating in weekend waterfowl festivals throughout the year. In Don’s later years, he cherished the fellowship with the members of the Potomac Decoy Collectors Association.
Don also enjoyed 37 years breeding and racing thoroughbred horses! He began with one filly named ‘Mt. Airy Mama’ and after a less than stellar racing career, he moved her to the farm to be a brood mare. It was here Don discovered his passion for breeding horses and he became a ‘breed to race’ horseman! He started many racing partnerships with friends and acquaintances to share his love for thoroughbreds. Over the years, he had many brood mares, bred many foals, even multiple Stakes winners. At one point, he had 38 horses in his stable. He loved being around the horses so much, in his 70’s he worked as a hot walker. His kids and grandkids enjoyed many outings to the track and farm, feeding the horses pounds and pounds of carrots to spend time with their Dad and Grandpa.
His love for horses and his love for Christ led Don to the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA). He served as President and as a Board Member for several years providing spiritual resources and support for race tracks across the country. Upon completing his national RTCA terms, Don turned his focus to supporting the local chapters especially in Maryland and West Virginia. He loved being the auctioneer at fundraising auctions and attending the weekly services at the tracks.
In 2005, Don found a fun relationship with Martha Johnson and after dating for five years, they married in May of 2010. Sadly, their marriage ended after 9 years, yet they worked to maintain a friendship. She loved and supported him until his departure and was an amazing friend as he ‘aged out’.
Don is survived by his children Cliff (Mischelle), Debbie McCracken (Steve), Cris (Linda), David (Linda), Doug (Amy), 21 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 7 nieces and nephews. We will miss our father but know that he is now living in Heaven with Jesus and we will see him again!
He will be laid to rest at the United Methodist Church in Potomac, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Race Track Chaplaincy of America in Don’s name is appreciated.
Visit www.rtcanational.org
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We will miss you Double D, thanks for sharing your gifts!
T a l k I n g w I t h D o n w a s f u n. H e l I k e d s h a r I n g a b o u t h I s w o r k I n D C a s a l o o b y i s t, h I s f a miIy, a n d h o r s e s. P r a y i n g f o r family. Izzy Vega
Don Dean – we could never resist calling him by his full name 🙂 – was a beloved board member, supporter and friend of the Maryland Million. We enjoyed working with him each year on the Maryland Million Gala auction; he taught us so much about decoys! Don will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by many. Jordyn Egan
Peace, Prayers and Blessings. Don will live fondly in our hearts and memories. It was a joy to know him.
I knew your Dad in IBM Bethesda. I quickly came to understand how much he loved his family and what a gentleman he was. He lived well and loved much