Memorials › Ernest Howard "Ernie" Dean Sr

Ernest Howard "Ernie" Dean Sr

17 May 1914 – 7 Feb 2003

Birth17 May 1914
Death7 Feb 2003
CemeteryAmerican Fork Cemetery
American Fork , Utah County , Utah , USA
Added byUtahSTG on 27 Mar 2026
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44726033

Bio

Ernest Howard "Ernie" Dean, Sr. May 17, 1914 – Feb 7, 2003 Former State Senator Ernest Howard Dean Sr. (Ernie), age 88, left this earthly life on February 7, 2003. He is enjoying a glorious reunion with his eternal companion, Mildred, a grandson, his parents, three brothers and many relatives who preceded him in death. He was born in American Fork, Utah on May 17, 1914 to Owen and Amy Dickerson Dean. He married Mildred Sophia Glissmeyer on December 13, 1935 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Ernest devoted a lifetime of dedicated public service to his community, to the state of Utah and to the nation. His was a life of service, achievement, and generosity. He gave freely of his time and talents, and will be remembered for his devotion, concern, and desire to help others. Ernest excelled in all he did and was known for his integrity, ambition, determination, leadership, productivity, work ethic, and keen intellect. Ernest received a Bachelor of Science degree from BYU (1937) in Chemistry and Agronomy, a Masters Degree from BYU in Vocational Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the U of U. While at BYU he was a champion runner in the mile and two mile races. Ernest Dean was a prominent figure in Utah legislative and vocational circles. He worked at the Utah Trade Tech (Utah Valley State College) as an educational administrator and research development director until his retirement. He initiated the summer school program for high school students through the legislature. His assistance helped bring about the College's accreditation by the Northwest Association. His influence helped change the image of the college helping it progress and grow and become what it is today. The Utah Vocational Association awarded him the Most Outstanding Man in Vocational Education in Utah. The U of U Phi Delta Kappa, which he was a member, honored him as Outstanding Educator of the year in 1972. He was appointed by the late President Kennedy to study, improve, and strengthen Vocational Technical Education in the educational system of the United States. He left his mark statewide and nationally on vocational education. Ernest served in the Utah legislature for 20 years, serving with a remarkable knowledge and insight of state government. Since Utah statehood, he is the only legislator to have been elected to serve as both the Speaker of the House of Representatives (1961-62) and the President of the Utah State Senate (1975-76). He also served as Majority Leader of the House and Minority Leader of both the Senate and House. Ernest was twice recognized as one of the 10 most outstanding state legislators in the 50 states, and has received numerous other recognition's for his exemplary service. Ernest had a love and devotion to Utah and helped increase Utah's position in national affairs, helping make Utah a better place to live. He also served in many leadership positions statewide and nationally. Among those were Chairman of the State Legislative Council and President and Vice President of the Western Conference of the Council of State Governments, having been elected by the legislators from throughout the U.S. One of his personal achievements was heading the negotiations that secured toll free telephone service for Utah County. In addition to his legislative service, Ernest also served as a Justice Of The Peace in American Fork and helped many citizens inside and outside the courtroom. He also served as an executive officer of the Home Builders Association. Ernest was an advocate for the mentally handicapped, working extensively to advance their cause. He devoted much of his life and countless hours aiding and serving Utah's handicapped citizens. He helped organize the national organization of Friends and Parents of the Mentally Handicapped and helped start the Utah County Foster Grandparent Program. Ernest was president and vice president of the Utah County Mental Health and president and vice president of the national organization. He was chairman of the governors committee for handicapped children. He helped secure better funding and expansion for the American Fork Training School and was one of the original committee members who organized the Adventure Learning Park at the school. Ernest was responsible for securing federal funds and for helping establish 25 group homes for the mentally handicapped throughout the state. He worked tirelessly to advance the mentally handicapped cause. His efforts brought light into the lives of countless individuals. He received awards from the Mental Retardation Association of Utah, the Training School, the Governor committee for the handicapped and also the Golden Key Award for his years of service to the cause of rehabilitating the handicapped, to name a few. After his retirement, he managed the Value Village Stores. The funds derived were used to aid and support programs for the handicapped in group homes. He received no compensation for these services. Ernest was a member of the LDS church and served in many positions including Scout Master, YMMIA President, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, and Stake High Councilman. Ernest loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman and fisherman and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in the cabin he built in American Fork Canyon. He also loved gardening and horseback riding. Ernest's love, counsel, and guidance will be sorely missed by his children, Connie (Ralph Haws), Donna Dean, Ernest Jr. (Sharen), and Millicent (LaMar Penovich), his 24 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren, his brothers, John, Bern L., Owen, Wayne, and Morrill, his two sisters, Dora Roberts and Janice Mayne. He loved his family and honored his heritage. The family wishes to express a very heart-felt thank you for the compassion and tender loving care given by Dr. Douglas Mower, Dr. George Middleton, Dr. Ronald Trudel, Yvonne Nielson, R.N. and others from Rocky Mountain Hospice, Jolene Shields, R.N. and her special staff at the Cottage Glen Assisted Living Center in Tooele, and many others who have administered selfless service to dad over several years. Services will be held on Saturday, February 15 , 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Fork 5th Ward, 381 South 300 East with a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services and on Friday, February 14, 2003 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anderson and Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork, Utah. Interment, American Fork Cemetery. Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT) | Date of Publication: 12 February 2003

Photos

Family

Parents

Spouse

Siblings

Export GEDCOM

This person only · Entire connected family