David Charles Dean

David Charles Dean, 60, of Stevensville, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021, at his residence. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 3, at 3 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Tom Bird officiating. Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Michigan, 7600 Grand River Ave., Suite 175, Brighton, MI 48114. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. David was born on June 18, 1961, in Benton Harbor, to James & Carol (Ward) Dean. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1979. He continued his education at Lake Michigan College, and became an ABO Certified Optician. David began his career as an Optician in 1982 in Benton Harbor, and continued his work through Southwest Michigan until he retired in 2018. While attending Lake Michigan College, David enjoyed studying Journalism and wrote articles for the Lake Michigan College News Paper. After he retired, he realized he wasn’t quite ready to leave the work force and began employment at JVIS Manufacturing in Benton Harbor, where he worked and became a team leader up until his passing. David loved playing Golf, he started playing around age seven with his dad and earned his Varsity Letter in High School for Golf. David played for nearly 15 years on the Tuesday Night Men’s League at Pipestone Creek Golf Course. In addition to golf, David was a dedicated fan of Music. David started his love for music in the boys chorus as a kid and then found his love for Queen as a teenager. David stayed a Queen fanatic through his entire life and was fortunate to see them live in concert a couple times. Following his love of music was his love for video games, watching NASCAR & Indy Car Racing, building model cars, and cooking. David is survived by his children, Sarah (Benjamin) Sulka of Jackson, MI, Rachel (Paul) Shaia of Cleveland, OH, and Stephen (Taylor) Dean of Kalamazoo, MI; grandsons, Jordan & Adam Shaia; Brother, Kevin (Joyce Flickenger) Dean; and former spouse, Susan. He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Carol.