Donald C. Dean, age 91 and a lifelong resident of the Elwood community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Miller's Merry Manor in Tipton following a long, well-lived life.  He was born March 26, 1927 in Elwood, the son of Wayne H. and Mary Ellen (Sellars) Dean.  Don was a 1944 graduate of Elwood High School, and later served his country in the U.S. Marines during W.W.II.  Don married Frances "Louise" Bell on June 26, 1949, and they shared nearly 69 years of marriage together.  He was a grain and large-scale hog farmer all of his life in Madison and Tipton Counties.  He also formerly worked at Ex-Cello Corporation in Elwood for 9 years.  He especially enjoyed farming with his son, David, prior to his passing in 1998.  Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood.  He and Louise enjoyed traveling over the years, and had visited nearly all of the U.S. states in their trips.  He was a member of both the Elwood V.F.W. and American Legion, and enjoyed watching sports on television.  Don absolutely loved farming, and was proud to have his farm designated as a Hoosier Homestead by the State of Indiana.

Don's family legacy includes his wife, Louise Dean of Elwood; two daughters, Janet Blankenship of Elwood and Marsha Ballard of Elwood; 5 grandchildren, Brian Blankenship, Brent (wife Sally) Blankenship, Alisha (husband Jason) Armes, Krista (husband Todd) Armes, and Jason (Caylee)Ballard; 11 great-grandchildren, Courtney, Andrew, Paighton, Lainey, Eli, Evan, Katey, Kelsey, Abigail, Noah, and Beckett; and a nephew, Philip (wife Margaret) Dean.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Dean; brother, Robert Dean; great-grandson, Brody Armes; and son-in-law, Larry Blankenship.