Leroy " Ike" Dean

Leroy Albert ‘Ike’ Dean

Jerome- Ike Dean, 77, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2014 at St Luke’s Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Ike was born January 7, 1937 to Lewis and Marvel Dean of Twin Falls, Idaho.  He was the youngest of four children who grew up in a hard working family on a farm South of Twin Falls.  He attended Shamrock School and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1955.  Ike served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57 where he was in the infantry and trained as a tank engineer.

Ike worked as a machinist up to the time of purchasing his own farm in Jerome, Idaho.  He was a successful potato farmer for many years and was recognized as a Simplot Top Potato grower more than once.  Ike served on the Jerome County Planning and Zoning Board.  His many hobbies included boating, water skiing, riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, auctioneering, restoring all kinds of vehicles, racing cars, hunting and dogs.

Ike has four daughters, Dawnette (Terry) Hutchison of Malta, Idaho, Julie (Dale) Buxton of Cornish, Utah, Jana (JC) O’Rullian of Rexburg, Idaho, Annalee Dean of Gooding, Idaho and nine grandchildren.

Ike loved his family and worked diligently to care and provide for them. Everyone who met Ike enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor!  He was always good for a story and a laugh and he never knew a stranger!

Ike was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his siblings, Betty Cochrane of Fresno, California, Larry (Marilyn) Dean of Grandview, Idaho, Darwin Dean of Twin Falls, Idaho, and his wife, Teresa Dean.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to Ed Timmons for his lasting, compassionate friendship and service to Ike.

Gratitude is also extended to the staff of Rosetta Assisted Living Center, DaVita Dialysis Center and the physicians and staff at St. Luke’s Medical Center who assisted Ike over many years and most recently in his final days.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday September 26, 2014 ,  Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome.