Harry Frank Dean Sr.

Harry Frank Dean, 90, joined his beloved wife Sara, his mother, father, and his brothers Ben, Beale and John Arthur in heaven on December 19, 2020, due to complications from Covid.

Harry was born November 4, 1930 to Ben and Helen Dean. He grew up in Breckenridge, Texas, discovering there his love of football, and attended Breckenridge High School where he was an outstanding football player. He played for the Breckenridge High School Buckaroos, then was recruited by Southern Methodist University. He attended Southern Methodist University on a football scholarship and was a starter all three years he was eligible. He played for the Broncos from 1950 to 1952, but his passion for football lasted his entire life. Harry graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from SMU in 1953 and married the love of his life Sara Elizabeth Nelson on April 20, 1954.

Harry served in the US Airforce, then the USAF Reserves from 1956 to 1966, honorably discharged a Captain. He spent most of his work career in the oil and gas business, working for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Sears, Roebuck and Company, Permian Corporation, and Occidental Petroleum, culminating in the founding of two successful gas companies, Dean Gas Systems and Northstar Gas Company, Inc. He was a lifetime member of the SMU Letterman’s Club and the Houston Livestock Show.

Harry and Sara were devoted to one another throughout their marriage. When Sara suffered a ruptured benign hemorrhagic cyst of her brain that left her partially paralyzed in 1969, Harry devoted himself tirelessly to her care. Harry and Sara moved to Granbury in 2005 – Harry to a house in the same neighborhood as his daughter Helen and Sara to a nursing care facility. Even living apart, Harry visited her every day until her death in 2012. He also was predeceased by his parents and his three brothers, Ben, Beale and John Arthur Dean.

Harry is survived by his three children, Mary Dean (James), Helen Manroe (Mark) and Harry Dean Jr., grandchildren Reesa Garcia (Alan), Drew Manroe (Laura) and Meagan Manroe, great-grandchildren William and Lucy Manroe (to whom he was known as PPaw), and many other family members and friends. He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the employees at the Cove at Waterview for taking such good care of Harry in his last years. Their kindness and caring are appreciated beyond measure. Additionally, the family would like to thank Interim Hospice for ensuring Harry’s comfort in his last days.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no public services held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Habitat for Humanity (Harry’s favorite charity), local food banks or a charity of choice.