Don Relle Dean

Don Relle Dean passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, in El Paso, Texas, at the age of 93.Born on November 4, 1931, in Port Lavaca, Texas, Don graduated from FW Gross High School in Victoria in 1948. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M in 1952.Don served his country with distinction during the Korean War as a First Lieutenant with the 4th Infantry Division. Following post–war reductions in commissioned officer positions, he transitioned to the Air Defense Artillery branch as an enlisted soldier. Over a career spanning three decades in the U.S. Army and primarily stationed at Fort Bliss, he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four. After retiring from active duty in 1982, Don continued his service to national defense as an Army Civil Servant for another fifteen years.He is remembered by his wife, Julia Dean; daughter Vella Bullock; son Don A. Dean; daughter Debra Volley; and son Major General (Retired) Garry Dean. He is also remembered by stepdaughters Beverly Estrada and Mary Alice Estrada; stepson Frank Estrada; along with grandchildren, and great–grandchildren.Don was preceded in death by his previous spouse, Jerlene Sowell Dean, and his parents, Alex and Elizabeth Dean.The funeral service will be held on July 24 at Immanuel Baptist Church.For details, please visit his online memorial at www.dignitymemorial.com.