(June 3, 1929 – July 24, 2015)

Dr. Rev. David Arnold Dean died on July 24, 2015, at Vernon Green in Vernon, Vt., at the age of 86. He was born in Brockton, Mass., and was the only son born to Ellery Cushing Dean and Phoebe Chase Dean. His funeral service will be held at the Village Church in Dowling Park, Fla., on Friday, July 31, at 11 a.m. with Dr. Rev. Timothy Setzer officiating. Visitation will be held at the Village Church before the funeral from 10 to 11 a.m. and burial will follow immediately at the Bixler East Cemetery.

Dr. Dean is survived by his wife, Lee K. Barringer Dean of the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Fla.; 4 sons, Rev. Dwight S. Dean (Barbara) of Windsor Locks, Conn.; Rev. David E. Dean (Melodie) of Sandwich, Ill.; Rev. Paul M. Dean (Linda) of Pink Hill, N.C.; Rev. Nathan E. Dean (Susan) of Augusta, Ga.; a daughter, Bethany D. Melton (J.R.) of Concord, N.C.; a sister Natalie Gartman (Gene) of Orangeburg, S.C.; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy P. Dean.

Dr. Dean was an ordained Advent Christian minister who served churches in New Hampshire, Quebec, Massachusetts and Florida; an administrator and professor at Berkshire Christian College; a Theology professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; a distinguished Advent Christian theologian; a missionary who served in Mexico, Japan, India and the Philippines; and the author of numerous books. One of his books titled, “Who Will Go For Us?” provides the story of the AC denomination’s ongoing sacrifice and commitment to world missions. Other significant writings for the denomination include: “Resurrection His and Ours,” “Resurrection Hope,” “The Gift From Above,” and “Don’t Drink the Water.” He impacted the lives of countless people through his preaching, teaching and writing. His life was a reflection of the character of the Lord he served and his legacy continues in the lives of his family and students.