Personal Music History
High School, then 4 years with Air Force bands in Texas, Alaska and Arizona.  Picked up drums while in Alaska.  Was charter member of the Plano Community Band 1978-1981.  Served 12 years with First Baptist Church Orchestra (Plano) beginning in 1983.

Statement About New Horizons Band
I enjoy the fellowship, music experience, and opportunity the New Horizons Band offers.   And, once again, due to a current need, find myself on the drummers throne!

OBITUARY
Walter J. Dean, Sr., age 76, of Plano, Texas passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 24, 2018, after battling several health concerns including pneumonia. ‘Walt’ is survived by Brenda, his wife of 55 years, three sons Walter J., Jr. & his wife Carla (Royse City, Tx), Michael & his wife Betty (McKinney, Tx), David & his wife Laura (Allen, Tx). He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson Gary Don. Walt is survived by grandchildren Kelly, Gabby, Jeff, Caroline, Jordan, Garrison, Allison, Grayson and great-granddaughter Adley Rae.

Besides his career days and devotion to family, Walt’s passion in life was music and playing trumpet and drums. At the age of 9 he began playing trumpet and continued through high school in Milford, Oh. His love for music followed him with his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force as a band member.

After the military, the Dean family returned to Walt’s childhood home in Milford Ohio. He was employed for many years at Cincinnati Milacron as a machinist. Walt also volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Milford/Miami Township Life Squad.

In 1977, Walt’s family moved to Plano, Texas. Walt had an intense interest in flying and acquired a private pilot’s license. He also earned his Associate’s degree from Collin College while working full-time. Walt enjoyed boating and found himself answering the call to volunteer once again in the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was last employed by Montgomery Kone Elevator in McKinney as a Purchasing Agent before retiring.

After many years of not playing his trumpet or drums; Walt revived his love for music by joining the orchestra at First Baptist Church Plano, the Plano Community Orchestra, and most recently the New Horizons Band Dallas including the New Horizons Concert Band, UpSwing Jazz Orchestra and DixieSwing Dixieland Band.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate his passion for life, family and love for music.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests a donation to the New Horizons Band Dallas or a charity of your choice.
New Horizons Band Dallas
Jerry Gray, Treasurer
1115 Eton Drive
Richardson, Tx 75080.

A service to celebrate the life of Walt Dean was held Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, Plano, Texas. The family received friends starting at 5:30pm. A memorial service followed at the same location beginning at 7:00pm. Walt will be interred at the family plot with a brief graveside service at Pine Grove Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:00am.