Zack Dean Obituary (1936

On August 30, 2024, Zack Luther Dean, 88 of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside. Zack leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years Aurelia Dean. He is survived by his children, Robert Daniel Dean of Hutto, Texas and Diana Marie Trujillo of Pueblo, Colorado and their spouses Ginger Dean and Ron Trujillo. Zack is also survived and loved by his three grandchildren Robert Zachary Dean, Allison Freeland, and Travis Freeland. Zack was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Luther, and Lula Dean and brother Dan Nelse and wife Delia Dean. He is also survived by his two dearest nieces Debra and Dena Dean. Zack was born on March 6, 1936 in the small Panhandle town of Memphis, Texas. He spent his childhood exploring and tending the land with his brother on the family farm in Antelope Flats before they relocated to Amarillo and experienced the luxury of running in-house water for the first time. After graduating from Amarillo High School, Zack earned a Bachelors of Science in Geology from the University of New Mexico and served honorably in the United States Army Reserve. This led him to meet Aurelia Trujillo who was the love of his life and whom he always said smelled of freshly fallen rain. It would be a quick three months until they were wed in Santa Fe, New Mexico and began their 64 year journey of love and life together. The Deans raised their adored children Robert and Diana in Roswell and Deming, New Mexico before moving to Austin, Texas in 1967, where they would spend thirty years together fostering a joyous and nurturing home for their family. Upon retiring in 1998, Zack and Aurelia relocated to Cedar Park, TX where they enjoyed the company of neighbors they came to consider family. Zack was very proud of paying for their forever home in cash, a feat he spent years working toward. Zack’s work life centered around natural resource management, notably the water rights first for the State of New Mexico and then for 31 years with the state of Texas. Throughout his tenure with the State of Texas he served as engineer advisor to the Pecos River Compact Commissioner. Years of diligent work for Texas water rights culminated in a US Supreme Court case between the states of Texas and. New Mexico in 1989, which was a highlight of his career. On January 27, 1998, the Senate of the State of Texas, expressed their appreciation to Zack for his exceptional contribution to the state of Texas in Senate Proclamation NO. 60. After retirement Zack found joy in traveling with Aurelia and often his grandson and daughter to places like Hawaii, Hollywood and Washington DC. He practiced photography and photo editing and kept busy with projects around the house while always keeping a pulse on current events and elections. Always hunting a good deal, Zack could be found first in line at garage sales with Aurelia on the weekends or catching up with friends at the YMCA where the Deans stayed active in his later years. Zack’s compassionate heart and steadfast demeanor made him a pillar of guidance for his family and friends. Although a serious man in many regards - a real "straight shooter", Zack’s sense of humor was second to none. Throughout the years, anyone calling their home would be greeted with "Dean’s Nuthouse, Peanut speaking". He could always find the joke in a rough situation and embodied the kindness and chivalry of a Texas Gentleman. Although he accomplished so much in his years, the youthful charm and curiosity of that Panhandle-raised kid never left him. A beloved husband, father, uncle, grandpa, friend and mentor, Zack "Papa Bear" Dean, will be sorely missed by those fortunate to have their lives enriched by his presence.