Gerald "Jerry" Eugene Dean, age 89, of Laurens, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023.

Jerry was born October 4, 1934 at home to parents Wylie Eugene and Dorothy Lauree (Seid) Dean. He attended school in Laurens and had been a life long resident.

Jerry joined the Army where he served in Germany on the Border Patrol and as a tank/truck driver.

He returned to Laurens and later married his wife Mary on December 22, 1970.

Jerry held many jobs in his lifetime and enjoyed them all as he loved working and never considered them as work. Among these positions were Farmers Co-op, Reed Livestock, Larsen Oil, Seabee Corp. and Bobalee Hydraulics. He was self-employed with farming and lawncare/snow removal business for 19 years up until retirement at 87.

Jerry had hobbies he enjoyed also. Among these were card playing, country line dancing, fishing, coffee with his cronies and family time. His fondest memories were of his wild/crazy childhood adventures with his friends, telling stories of these adventures and many family stories.

Jerry was known as "Captain" to those who knew and loved him. He was well-known and respected in his hometown.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Carole (Dean) Hohensee, Chris Berkenpas, Kathy Reitz, Kathi (Jim) Anderson, Travis Sloan and Michael (Sharon) Dean; his brother, Roger Dean; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wylie and Dorothy Dean; his sisters, Joyce Dean Wright and Joanne Dean Crotty, and one great-grandchild.

There will be no funeral service per Jerry's request.

A special Thank You to the staff at the Laurens Care Center and Hospice.