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DEAN ROBERT GADEN was born August 29, 1922 at Wichita, KS. He died at his home on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the age of 90 years.
Dean was raised on the family farm near Seiling where he attended school and graduated from Seiling High School with the class of 1940. He moved to Englewood, CA to attend a trade school and he worked for North American Aviation two years. In November 1942, he entered the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. He served on an aircraft carrier as an aircraft fire control man. When the war ended, Dean was aboard the USS Pylius on Wake Island in the Philippines.
Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Seiling. He was united in marriage to Christine Sander in 1945. Together, they raised five children and it was in 1945 that farming became Dean's career. In 1943, he became a member of Seiling Masonic Lodge #495 where he went through all the chairs and earned his 32nd degree. He served as Worshipful Master and in 1994 was recognized for 50 years of Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star service. Dean learned to fly in 1962 and flew over 2000 hours before ending his flying career in 1985. He was a member of the Flying Farmers organization, flying numerous flights inside and out of the U. S. and he served as president in 1974. He remains a member of the Seiling Lions Club, the Seiling Airport Commission Board, as well as, being a member of the First United Methodist Church. He served on the Seiling School Board and the Soil Conservation Service from 1971-1985.
Besides his farming and ranching operation, Dean entered into a partnership known as Hedges and Gaden Feed & Seed Store until 1976. He later managed Dad's Coin & Jewelry Store in Seiling for Doug Drain and he even worked at Seiling School as a substitute teacher when needed.
Dean married Vickie Adkisson in 1976 and they have continued to make their home in Seiling where he enjoyed raising wheat and stocker cattle. Dean and Vickie are avid University of Oklahoma football fan enthusiasts. September 23, 2006, he was recognized during the half time performance as having 52 consecutive years as an OU ticket holder. Nearly everyday, Dean proudly wore his "crimson & cream" attire. He followed the Seiling Wildcats in all types of sporting events. He liked to travel, taking several cruises and spent the last two summers in Alaska. He enjoyed 59 days in Alaska last summer camping part time and celebrating his 90th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie Gaden, one son Mike Gaden (Julia) of San Marcos. CA, four daughters, Debra Gaden of Perkins, Denise Rex (Rusty) of Stillwater, Diane Vaughan (Danny) of Seiling and Patty Graham (Rick) of Perkins, seventeen grandchildren, twenty seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mildred Gaden, twin daughters, Carla and Catherine, one grandson, Anthony Gaden and his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bob Estep.
Memorials can be made to the Brumfield Cemetery fund with Redinger Funeral Home-Box 236-Seiling, OK 73663 serving as custodian of the funds.
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