Norman, OK - Merrell Edward Dean

2/11/37-6/29/2026

Merrell Edward Dean, U.S. Airforce (Ret.), died peacefully on June 29th, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 89.

Born on February 11th, 1937, in Lexington, KY, Merrell was the son of Adam and Lucy Dean. He graduated from LaFayette high school in Lexington, KY and eventually obtained a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree in business administration from George Washington University.

In 1958 he joined the AirForce and proudly served for 24 years ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while functioning as both a navigator and a pilot. Merrell served two tours in Vietnam and earned a multitude of medal and honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2021

While undergoing training at Randolph Air Force Base, Merrell met Sherma and they married in San Antonio in 1959. They shared 63 wonderful years while living in a variety of locations including Altus, OK, Shreveport, LA, Homestead, FL, Tucson, AZ, Montgomery, AL, Luzon, Philippines, and finally Norman, OK.

After retiring from the AirForce in 1982, Merrell practiced as a Certified Financial Planner in Norman for approximately 35 years. He was very active in the Norman community and served as a successful Campaign Chairman for the United Way in 1986, a local advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Vice President and President of Kiwanis Club of Norman, and President of the Central Oklahoma Society Institute of Certified Financial Planners. Additionally, he was a longstanding member of Bethel Baptist Church.

He thoroughly enjoyed his later years spending time with friends and family including thrice weekly morning coffee meetings at Homeland, sitting on the front porch reading and smoking his pipe while interacting with his wonderful neighbors and angelic caregiver, Brenda. A successful day was completed by enjoying one early evening Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

He is survived by sons Steven (Jennifer) of Dublin, OH and Michael (Barbara) of Melbourne Beach, FL and granddaughters Madison, Megan, and Annie. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Sherma.

A veteran cemetery burial with full military honors will be arranged in Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Kentucky.