Charles “Bernie” Dean, 83, of Fairland, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2022, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born November 7, 1938, in Morganfield, Kentucky, the son of Charles Oscar and Nettie Irene (House) Dean. On September 20, 1958, he married the love of his life, Rosemary “Rosie” Hogan, and she preceded him in death on May 20, 2016.
Bernie is survived by his daughter, Melinda Pennycuff and husband, Paul, of Shelbyville; granddaughter, Jennifer Dean; great-granddaughter, Justice Dean Meal; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to Rosie, Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Michael Dean and Mark Dean; three sisters, Mildred "Edith" Dean, Naomi Ruth Dean and Betty Jean (Dean) Payetta; and two brothers, William Franklin Dean and Robert Darrell Dean.
Bernie graduated in 1957 from Manual High School in Indianapolis. After high school he attended IUPUI, studying blueprint reading, accounting and electrical wiring.
He formerly worked at Commercial Towel and Plymate Incorporated. Since 1985, Bernie and Rosie had co-owned and operated Dean’s Dry Cleaning and Laundry and in 1997, his daughter, Melinda, joined the family business and worked alongside with Bernie. In addition to his daughter, Bernie's granddaughter, Jennifer also joined to help work and operate the family business.
Bernie was a former member of the Exchange Club and often donated to the Shelbyville Animal Shelter to support the homeless animals of Shelby County.
Bernie was not only blessed with his biological family but he also had an extended family of friends and a staff of employees that he loved and considered his 'work family'. He enjoyed life to it's fullest, often fishing in various spots of the U.S. but sharing a particular fondness for Canada. He travelled the world with his wife and especially enjoyed trips to Las Vegas. Always quick with a joke and a willingness to help others, Bernie lived an amazing life and hoped others would have a life as wonderful as his journey.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at the funeral home, with Rev. Bill Horner officiating.
Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Online condolences may be shared with Bernie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
