Jacob Elzie Dean

1914-2012

Jacob Elzie Dean, 97, of Tarpley, passed away Thursday, May 31. He was born June 30, 1914, near Tarpley to John Hope and Molly Dean.

Elzie considered himself very fortunate because throughout his life, he was able to do what he loved - farming and ranching. At his birth, he was given a cow by his namesake and when Elzie passed away, he was still raising cattle.

He wasn't just a cattleman, however; he also enjoyed raising goats, sheep and horses. And, he always had good livestock dogs - even when he didn't have much for them to do.

For most of his career, Elzie worked as a foreman on ranches in Bandera and Frio counties. He was highly regarded by those he worked for because he took care of the stock and ranch as if they were his own. Anyone who knew Elzie knew that his word was better than a contract.

A longtime member of the Tarpley Baptist Church, Elzie also served as a director of the Tarpley Cemetery Association.

His family and many friends will sorely miss his knowledge of farming and ranching, his wisdom of living and his ready humor.

Elzie is survived by his children, Larry Dean and his wife, Pat, of Abilene; Marie Carson and her husband, Jim, of Tarpley; and Charles and his wife, Marcia, of New Braunfels. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Sara Dean of Seattle, Washington; Michael Dean of Abilene; Molly Newcomb of Houston; Jonathan Newcomb of San Antonio; Jacob Dean of Portland, Oregon; and Rachel Martin and her husband, Ray, of Raleigh, North Carolina; and great-grandson, Thomas, of Houston.

Other surviving family members include sister-in-law, Mrs. Marvin (Mary Jo) Dean, Myra Dean of Abilene and Donnie Newcomb of Castroville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends from a long life well lived.

Elzie was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Susan Nettie; brothers, Lewis and Marvin Dean; and sisters, Vashti Sparks and Mary Chism.

The family would like to thank the staff at Community Care Center of Hondo, Uvalde Hospice and Dr. Miles Hutson for care they gave to our dad.

Services were held at Tarpley Baptist Church, in Tarpley, Wednesday, June 6, with burial following at Tarpley Cemetery.

With heavy hearts, we give him to his heavenly Father and a joyous reunion with mom, the rest of his family and his brothers and sisters in Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tarpley Cemetery Association, PO Box 93, Tarpley 78883.

Condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the "Send Condolences" link at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.