Thomas "Tom" Dean

(Greenville) Thomas "Tom" A. Dean, age 51, went home unexpectedly to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 1, 2008. His greatest achievement in life was his family and being supportive of his many friends. He is survived by his wife, the former Roberta "Bobbi" Gort; children, Thomas Dean, Jr., a teacher in Chefornak, Alaska, and Richard Dean, a semi driver of Greenville; brothers and sisters, Robert Dean, Mark Dean, John and Geneva Dean, and Mary and George Murray; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; in-laws, Robert and Rose Gort, Ruth and Don Amos, Rebecca Frazine, Rose and Tom Mitchell, Diane and Greg Carroll, and Cindy Lynn. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Dean. Tom and Bobbi were best friends since she was 13, and after seeing him at Rockford Wesleyan Church, Bobbi said, "I'm going to marry that boy with the ears," which they did on May 24, 1980. Tom's parents owned a farm, and when he was a young man Bobbi's dad hired Tom to help out on his farm. Tom worked at Wilson Sporting Goods and has worked at Nucraft Manufacturing for 20 years. As a young child, Tom accepted Christ. He liked spending time with his family and particularly their camping vacations. He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing and hunting, especially November 15th. The service of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Tom will be Saturday, March 8, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Oakfield Baptist Church with Pastor Bert Boes officiating. Interment in White Swan Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Montcalm County 4-H, designated for the fairgrounds. Friends may meet with Tom's family from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com