WALLACE E. DEAN JR.

EAST MACHIAS – Wallace E. Dean Jr., better known as Buster, husband of Leola “Peggy” (Whiting) Dean for 64 years, peacefully went to be with his Savior, Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born Jan. 26, 1921, in North Guilford, to Wallace and Helen (Ward) Dean. Wallace attended Guilford schools and graduated from NYA Machinist School to begin his lifelong career as a machinist. He worked for Fay Scott in Dexter before enlisting in the Navy in May of 1944. Buster served in the Pacific on the USS Taluga. His awards included the Victory Medal and Four Stars for the Philippine liberation. After serving in the Navy, he was employed by Great Northern’s repair shop and Pride’s Manufacturing. He then worked for the Naval Weapon’s Plant, Washington, D.C., until it closed. In 1960, the family moved to Machias. Buster accepted a job at Cutler Naval Radio Station as a machinist until his retirement. After retirement, he established Dean’s Economy Machine, which served fishermen and local businesses in the Down East area. Buster served as a faithful member of Machias Valley Baptist Church, where he especially enjoyed being an Awana leader. He was predeceased by his daughter, Glenda, who died shortly after birth; his daughter, Brenda, at age 20 in a fire at Squaw Mountain Inn; his sisters, Virginia, Melia, Sylvia Dean and Dorothy Olsen; and brothers, Harrison and David Dean. In addition to his wife, Peggy, Buster is survived by his son, Barry Dean and his wife, Lorraine; grandson, Matthew Dean and his wife, Jenny; grandson, Michael Dean and his wife, Annie; granddaughter, Marcie Dean and her boyfriend, Neil Peace; and granddaughter, Melinda Galusha and her husband, Justin Galusha. He leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Tyler M., Kaylee, Tyler C., Christian, Isabella and Jenna. There will be a graveside service 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Lawn Cemetery, Guilford, with the Rev. Lloyd Rozelle officiating. There will be a memorial service 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Machias Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Henderson officiating. The family appreciates your prayers, condolences and support, and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Machias Valley Christian School, 8 Broadway, Machias, ME 04654 or Living Waters, P.O. Box 250, 47 Dark Cove Road, Danforth, ME 04424. Arrangements are under the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias. Friends are invited to send online condolences at www.legacy.com or www.bragdonkelley.com.