Dean Crain, 92, of Pampa, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Pampa.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City, Oklahoma, with Pastor Gary Wilburn, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Kaw City, Oklahoma, officiating. Following the services, the family will be gathering at the Shidler Senior Citizens Center to visit with friends and family. Arrangements and burial are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:30 PM on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the funeral home.
Dean was born on May 8, 1931, in Denoya, Oklahoma to Fred and Nora Crain. He attended school in Shidler, Oklahoma. In 1947, at age 16, Dean joined the National Guard. After graduating in 1950, he joined the Air Force. Dean was honorably discharged from the military in 1953. On November 21, 1955, Dean married the love of his life, Mary Ann Sturmon in Bristow, Oklahoma.
For most of his life, Dean worked in the oilfield. He was a hard worker that was respected by many. Dean and his family moved to Lefors, Texas, in 1965 for work. Dean, Mary Ann, and their kids made the Texas panhandle their home for about 15 years, until they moved back to the Ponca City area in 1980. In 2023, Dean and Mary Ann moved to Pampa to be closer to their boys.
In his spare time, Dean enjoyed golfing, fishing, dancing, watching football, spending time with family and neighbors, and volunteering for several organizations, including the Lefors Volunteer Fire Department and the Optimist Club. Dean also coached his kids’ sports teams when they were in school. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and First Baptist Church in Shidler, Oklahoma. He and the family made many trips to Lake City, Colorado for vacation. Dean was a wonderful and caring man who loved to help others. He will be missed by all that knew him. Dean was the best father and friend anyone could have asked for.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Mark Allen Crain; and siblings, Cecil Crain, Earnest (Runt) Crain, Kate Babcock, Jack Crain, Eva Mae Center, Eddie Crain, Edith Adkins, Don Crain, and Otho Crain.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Crain of the home; sons, Mike Crain and wife LaWausa, Bob Crain, and Bill Crain, all of Pampa; Krystal Kimmell and husband Jody of Ponca City, Oklahoma; son, Harold Adair of Haskell, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Helen Crain; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several bonus grandchildren; and great friend, Frank Payne.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pampa Nursing for the loving care that they showed Dean the last several weeks.
Please sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.
