Dean Pullin

Dean Pullin, born Nov. 14, 1930, passed away at home on Oct. 20, 2023, at 92 years of age. Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Clela Pullin; mother, Glessner Pullin; father, George Pullin; daughter, Janet Douglas; grandson, Jason Long; his brothers, Leonard, George, and Bill Pullin; and sisters Wilma Savage and Helen Cummins.

Dean is survived in death by his sister, Geneal Andrews, and five GENERATIONS of beloved family including daughters, Jenny Stoddard, and Leslie Germen and life partner, Diane Shadden; son, Michael Pullin and daughter-in-law, Brenda Brown; grandchildren, Robin Japar, Mandi Ketter, Lacey Strawder, Joseph Price, Nathan Germen, Samantha Melton, Matthew and Adam Stoddard, Nicco Calandrino, Ce’airra Penniston, and Hannah Whitworth; great-grandchildren, Scott, Malori, Lauren, Fallyn, Aiden, Parker, Jayden, Marshall, Emmy, Colin, Kendyl, Blake, Jake, Atreus, Thalia, and Aida; and great-great grandchild, Domenico.

Dean served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950-1953. Following the war, Dean and Clela wed, relocating to San Francisco, Calif., where he worked and retired from the carpenter’s union. Dean built many commercial buildings in the Bay area; however, the most memorable for him was the first GAP store because Don Fisher gifted him a pair of bell bottom jeans!

Following his retirement in the early 70s, the couple began a new chapter in life, relocating their family to Vernon County, Mo., where Dean launched his second career as a psychiatric aide for the Nevada State Hospital. Dean loved his job, respected the patients, and made many friends among the staff over the years. He retired from the state in the early 90s. Ever the go-getter, he went on to drive for OATS Transit and volunteered his time to collect the Census Bureau Survey for Vernon County.

Dean was a traveling man! He loved nothing more than to hit the open road and spent much of his time methodically planning road trips. He and Clela zigged and zagged from coast-to-coast on countless adventures. Dean always said that his favorite trip was when they challenged the Alaska Highway in a 2WD conversion van!

Dean and Clela were best friends. They did everything as a team! Their love story endured more than 70 years of trials and triumphs. Dean followed Clela in death by only 5 days–one never to know life without the other.

Family reunion and remembrance to be held June 8, 2024.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.