George Harrold Dean, age 78 of Norman, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017 at his home in Norman.

He was born August 10, 1938 in Washington, Oklahoma. George was the 2nd child of five children born to William Luther Dean and Hazel Mae (Mason) Dean. George grew up a country boy near Washington, OK. He graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1956. After high school he attended one year at Tulsa Technical College, training in Mechanical Engineering. On August 14, 1957, George joined the U. S. Air Force. For six years he proudly served his country, with three years being stationed in France. While in France he met the love of his life, Saara Marjatta Ruppa. They later married on December 21, 1960 in Evreux, France. After returning home to the U.S. they lived two years in Tennessee before moving back to Norman, OK. George and Saara together raised three children, Raymond, Anna and Kevin. For 20 years, George and Saara owned and operated Zipco Inc., a sheet metal company out of Norman. In 1990 George took a job with Raytheon Corporation and they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for 10 years. In 2000 after retiring, he moved back to Norman, Oklahoma, the area he called home. Throughout his life, George was an avid Bowler. He also enjoyed teaching and bowling with his children and grandchildren. Other hobbies George had include, building and flying model airplanes and rockets, fishing at Lake Thunderbird, gardening and coin collecting. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather and a special brother and friend.

He was preceded in death by: Parents, William and Hazel Dean; Great grandson, Damion Dunn;

He is survived by: Wife of 57 years, Saara Dean of the home in Norman; Three children, Raymond Dean and wife Cathy of Fredericksburg, VA. Anna Dean of Moore, OK, Kevin Dean and wife Tina of Washington, OK; Two brothers, Anthony Dean and wife Marilyn of Rockwall, TX, Elvis Dean and wife Paula of Casper, Wyoming; Two sisters, Wanda Knapp of Washington, OK, Alice Brooks and husband Darrell of Washington, OK. Nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two greats on the way. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Graveside funeral services will be 10:00 am Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the Washington Cemetery in Washington, OK. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell. Send online condolences @wilsonlittle.com.

The family of George Dean would like to thank Dr. Stephen Lindsay and Life Spring Hospice for their care during George’s illness.