Dean Gaddis, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 3:45 a.m. Sunday (June 17, 2012) in Mason Point, Sullivan.

Private family graveside services will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with the Pastor Dan Watkins officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Dean was born July 2, 1926 in Windsor, the son of James W. and Blanche Johnson Gaddis. Dean was raised in the Sullivan area. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of WWII along with his four brothers and they all made it back safely. He was awarded several medals for his bravery and service. He currently has a grandson serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a world traveler and an entrepreneur. Dean had many accomplishments in his life. His favorite past times were reading, taking walks and gardening. He loved talking and sharing with all those he came in contact with. One of his favorite past times was walking in Tabor Park in Sullivan. He loved to give gifts to those he loved and to those less fortunate without anyone knowing. He married Esther Kay Varda on November 5, 1975 and she preceded him in death on November 21, 1987.

Dean loved his family. He left behind three daughters; Bridget (Dan) Watkins of Decatur, Patricia (Paul) Norfleet of Atwood, Penny Cannon of the St. Louis area; son, Mitchell Dean (Gail) Gaddis of Atwood, brother, Dick Gaddis of Chesapeake, VA.; eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, step-son, four brothers and a sister.

He lived a very full life here and will be greatly missed.