Dean Louis Abendschein was born May 10, 1922, in Syracuse, New York to Louis and Dorothy Lillian Abendschein (nee Dorothy Lillian Friend). He passed away October 23, 2012, in Georgetown Texas.
As a young man, Dean and friend Clayton Timm took the initiative to form a new Boy Scout troop in their home town of Syracuse, New York. Something he was always proud of.
A member of the 'Greatest Generation' - during World War II he served in the Army Air Corps on the Pacific islands of Guam and The Philippines servicing radios on P38 airplanes. In later years he recounted stories of crossing the Pacific on a troop transport ship (converted from a captured German freighter), watching as Japanese Kamikaze planes attacked his convoy.
After the war Dean took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned his Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo. His early experiences with airplanes led him to a career in the aerospace field where he worked for Bell Aircraft, Martin Marietta, and Rockwell International. He was very proud of his work first on defense missiles, and later on NASA projects like Sky Lab and the Space Shuttle. His career took him from his origins in New York, to White Sands, NM, Denver, CO and finally to the Houston area.
Along the way he married Joyce in 1955 and the two of them started a family comprised of a daughter and two sons. Dean was an excellent provider for his family and lead by example. For him it was truly "do as I do AND as I say".
He was active in the Methodist church, serving in the choir for many years and served on a number of committees such as the Trustees. Dad always prayed to the Lord before every meal and regularly attended church services!
After he retired, Dean indulged Joyce's love of antiques. He often traveled with her on buying trips and to various shows. Later he helped her to set up her own antique shop in Seabrook, TX. He helped her to operate this store until her death in 1999.
One of the greatest gifts that our parents gave us was the opportunity to see the country. Every year Joyce's wanderlust had Dean packing up the station wagon and setting out for some part of the country, camping along the way to save money. Sometimes we went to see family, sometimes just to see the country.
By the time we were young adults, we had been in all 48 continental states, Mexico, and Canada. These trips sometimes included World's Fair expositions in Seattle ('62), New York ('64), Montreal ('67), San Antonio ('68). To accommodate these trips, Dean first made a roof-top box out of plywood to carry camping equipment and Mom's antiques. Later he fashioned a car-side tent fashioned from a surplus military tent which could be erected quickly on the side of the road.
Dean was the ultimate handyman, doing anything and everything around the house. This included plumbing, carpentry, electrical, yard work, gardening, cement work. He also was quite the mechanic, even to the point of rebuilding car engines. His children watched, and helped Dean do these things and they learned that if they could to do anything if they put their minds to the task at hand.
In 1975 Dean and Joyce bought a few acres in Seabrook, TX along HWY 146 which had a defunct small bar named 'The Tiger's Den'. It was in this refurbished bar that the family lived for a number of years while Joyce developed her antique business. It was on this property that they moved a 100-year old house and made it a home.
Dean's only enemy were the armadillos that frequented his lawn and garden. These offenders were sometimes met with a blast from his 12 gauge- which the Seabrook Police had to remind him was against city ordinance.
Dean and Joyce embodied the concept of 'marriage'. While they didn't always agree on things, they always supported each other. The words 'in sickness and in health' had real meaning for them both, first Joyce supported Dean when he had open heart surgery in 1976. Later, when Joyce went through two episodes of cancer, Dean was always at her side. He was an excellent and loving caregiver, even as her health failed.
A few of his favorite sayings with his grandchildren were, when asked "where are we going" his response was "crazy". Additionally he would state "I hate fun" and "very niccce".
He was proud and always had a smile and a laugh when interacting with his grandchildren- even when teaching Chase how to ride a bike.
From grandchild: At Christmas he liked to dress up in Christmas colors, including a festive jacket and/or sweater. From grandchild: Grandpa always was willing to be helpful around the house, for example washing dishes, even when he wasn't feeling well. From his daughter-in-law: Dean was the kindest, most gentle man she ever knew.
Dean is well loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
Preceded in death by: Wife Joyce Louise Abendschein (maiden name Ehat), brother Neal Louis Friend (nee Abendschein) and sister Nancy Louise Purrington (nee Nancy Louise Abendschein).
Surviving children: Denise Louise Abendschein, Andrew Louis Abendschein, Peter Louis Abendschein; Grandchildren: Chase Louis Abendschein, Alyssa Ann Abendschein, Austin Louis Abendschein, Ashley Ann Abendschein, Connor Louis Abendschein.
Graveside services will be held at Saturday, 27 October, 2:00 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery, Webster, TX; under the direction of Ramsey Funeral Home.
Instead of flowers, remembrances may be made to: American Legion Post 174, 1000 North College Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
You are invited to share a message or memory in the memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.
Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown.
As a young man, Dean and friend Clayton Timm took the initiative to form a new Boy Scout troop in their home town of Syracuse, New York. Something he was always proud of.
A member of the 'Greatest Generation' - during World War II he served in the Army Air Corps on the Pacific islands of Guam and The Philippines servicing radios on P38 airplanes. In later years he recounted stories of crossing the Pacific on a troop transport ship (converted from a captured German freighter), watching as Japanese Kamikaze planes attacked his convoy.
After the war Dean took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned his Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo. His early experiences with airplanes led him to a career in the aerospace field where he worked for Bell Aircraft, Martin Marietta, and Rockwell International. He was very proud of his work first on defense missiles, and later on NASA projects like Sky Lab and the Space Shuttle. His career took him from his origins in New York, to White Sands, NM, Denver, CO and finally to the Houston area.
Along the way he married Joyce in 1955 and the two of them started a family comprised of a daughter and two sons. Dean was an excellent provider for his family and lead by example. For him it was truly "do as I do AND as I say".
He was active in the Methodist church, serving in the choir for many years and served on a number of committees such as the Trustees. Dad always prayed to the Lord before every meal and regularly attended church services!
After he retired, Dean indulged Joyce's love of antiques. He often traveled with her on buying trips and to various shows. Later he helped her to set up her own antique shop in Seabrook, TX. He helped her to operate this store until her death in 1999.
One of the greatest gifts that our parents gave us was the opportunity to see the country. Every year Joyce's wanderlust had Dean packing up the station wagon and setting out for some part of the country, camping along the way to save money. Sometimes we went to see family, sometimes just to see the country.
By the time we were young adults, we had been in all 48 continental states, Mexico, and Canada. These trips sometimes included World's Fair expositions in Seattle ('62), New York ('64), Montreal ('67), San Antonio ('68). To accommodate these trips, Dean first made a roof-top box out of plywood to carry camping equipment and Mom's antiques. Later he fashioned a car-side tent fashioned from a surplus military tent which could be erected quickly on the side of the road.
Dean was the ultimate handyman, doing anything and everything around the house. This included plumbing, carpentry, electrical, yard work, gardening, cement work. He also was quite the mechanic, even to the point of rebuilding car engines. His children watched, and helped Dean do these things and they learned that if they could to do anything if they put their minds to the task at hand.
In 1975 Dean and Joyce bought a few acres in Seabrook, TX along HWY 146 which had a defunct small bar named 'The Tiger's Den'. It was in this refurbished bar that the family lived for a number of years while Joyce developed her antique business. It was on this property that they moved a 100-year old house and made it a home.
Dean's only enemy were the armadillos that frequented his lawn and garden. These offenders were sometimes met with a blast from his 12 gauge- which the Seabrook Police had to remind him was against city ordinance.
Dean and Joyce embodied the concept of 'marriage'. While they didn't always agree on things, they always supported each other. The words 'in sickness and in health' had real meaning for them both, first Joyce supported Dean when he had open heart surgery in 1976. Later, when Joyce went through two episodes of cancer, Dean was always at her side. He was an excellent and loving caregiver, even as her health failed.
A few of his favorite sayings with his grandchildren were, when asked "where are we going" his response was "crazy". Additionally he would state "I hate fun" and "very niccce".
He was proud and always had a smile and a laugh when interacting with his grandchildren- even when teaching Chase how to ride a bike.
From grandchild: At Christmas he liked to dress up in Christmas colors, including a festive jacket and/or sweater. From grandchild: Grandpa always was willing to be helpful around the house, for example washing dishes, even when he wasn't feeling well. From his daughter-in-law: Dean was the kindest, most gentle man she ever knew.
Dean is well loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
Preceded in death by: Wife Joyce Louise Abendschein (maiden name Ehat), brother Neal Louis Friend (nee Abendschein) and sister Nancy Louise Purrington (nee Nancy Louise Abendschein).
Surviving children: Denise Louise Abendschein, Andrew Louis Abendschein, Peter Louis Abendschein; Grandchildren: Chase Louis Abendschein, Alyssa Ann Abendschein, Austin Louis Abendschein, Ashley Ann Abendschein, Connor Louis Abendschein.
Graveside services will be held at Saturday, 27 October, 2:00 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery, Webster, TX; under the direction of Ramsey Funeral Home.
Instead of flowers, remembrances may be made to: American Legion Post 174, 1000 North College Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
You are invited to share a message or memory in the memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.
Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown.
Dean Louis Abendschein was born May 10, 1922, in Syracuse, New York to Louis and Dorothy Lillian Abendschein (nee Dorothy Lillian Friend). He passed away October 23, 2012, in Georgetown Texas.
As a young man, Dean and friend Clayton Timm took the initiative to form a new Boy Scout troop in their home town of Syracuse, New York. Something he was always proud of.
A member of the 'Greatest Generation' - during World War II he served in the Army Air Corps on the Pacific islands of Guam and The Philippines servicing radios on P38 airplanes. In later years he recounted stories of crossing the Pacific on a troop transport ship (converted from a captured German freighter), watching as Japanese Kamikaze planes attacked his convoy.
After the war Dean took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned his Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo. His early experiences with airplanes led him to a career in the aerospace field where he worked for Bell Aircraft, Martin Marietta, and Rockwell International. He was very proud of his work first on defense missiles, and later on NASA projects like Sky Lab and the Space Shuttle. His career took him from his origins in New York, to White Sands, NM, Denver, CO and finally to the Houston area.
Along the way he married Joyce in 1955 and the two of them started a family comprised of a daughter and two sons. Dean was an excellent provider for his family and lead by example. For him it was truly "do as I do AND as I say".
He was active in the Methodist church, serving in the choir for many years and served on a number of committees such as the Trustees. Dad always prayed to the Lord before every meal and regularly attended church services!
After he retired, Dean indulged Joyce's love of antiques. He often traveled with her on buying trips and to various shows. Later he helped her to set up her own antique shop in Seabrook, TX. He helped her to operate this store until her death in 1999.
One of the greatest gifts that our parents gave us was the opportunity to see the country. Every year Joyce's wanderlust had Dean packing up the station wagon and setting out for some part of the country, camping along the way to save money. Sometimes we went to see family, sometimes just to see the country.
By the time we were young adults, we had been in all 48 continental states, Mexico, and Canada. These trips sometimes included World's Fair expositions in Seattle ('62), New York ('64), Montreal ('67), San Antonio ('68). To accommodate these trips, Dean first made a roof-top box out of plywood to carry camping equipment and Mom's antiques. Later he fashioned a car-side tent fashioned from a surplus military tent which could be erected quickly on the side of the road.
Dean was the ultimate handyman, doing anything and everything around the house. This included plumbing, carpentry, electrical, yard work, gardening, cement work. He also was quite the mechanic, even to the point of rebuilding car engines. His children watched, and helped Dean do these things and they learned that if they could to do anything if they put their minds to the task at hand.
In 1975 Dean and Joyce bought a few acres in Seabrook, TX along HWY 146 which had a defunct small bar named 'The Tiger's Den'. It was in this refurbished bar that the family lived for a number of years while Joyce developed her antique business. It was on this property that they moved a 100-year old house and made it a home.
Dean's only enemy were the armadillos that frequented his lawn and garden. These offenders were sometimes met with a blast from his 12 gauge- which the Seabrook Police had to remind him was against city ordinance.
Dean and Joyce embodied the concept of 'marriage'. While they didn't always agree on things, they always supported each other. The words 'in sickness and in health' had real meaning for them both, first Joyce supported Dean when he had open heart surgery in 1976. Later, when Joyce went through two episodes of cancer, Dean was always at her side. He was an excellent and loving caregiver, even as her health failed.
A few of his favorite sayings with his grandchildren were, when asked "where are we going" his response was "crazy". Additionally he would state "I hate fun" and "very niccce".
He was proud and always had a smile and a laugh when interacting with his grandchildren- even when teaching Chase how to ride a bike.
From grandchild: At Christmas he liked to dress up in Christmas colors, including a festive jacket and/or sweater. From grandchild: Grandpa always was willing to be helpful around the house, for example washing dishes, even when he wasn't feeling well. From his daughter-in-law: Dean was the kindest, most gentle man she ever knew.
Dean is well loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
Preceded in death by: Wife Joyce Louise Abendschein (maiden name Ehat), brother Neal Louis Friend (nee Abendschein) and sister Nancy Louise Purrington (nee Nancy Louise Abendschein).
Surviving children: Denise Louise Abendschein, Andrew Louis Abendschein, Peter Louis Abendschein; Grandchildren: Chase Louis Abendschein, Alyssa Ann Abendschein, Austin Louis Abendschein, Ashley Ann Abendschein, Connor Louis Abendschein.
Graveside services will be held at Saturday, 27 October, 2:00 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery, Webster, TX; under the direction of Ramsey Funeral Home.
Instead of flowers, remembrances may be made to: American Legion Post 174, 1000 North College Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
You are invited to share a message or memory in the memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.
Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown.
As a young man, Dean and friend Clayton Timm took the initiative to form a new Boy Scout troop in their home town of Syracuse, New York. Something he was always proud of.
A member of the 'Greatest Generation' - during World War II he served in the Army Air Corps on the Pacific islands of Guam and The Philippines servicing radios on P38 airplanes. In later years he recounted stories of crossing the Pacific on a troop transport ship (converted from a captured German freighter), watching as Japanese Kamikaze planes attacked his convoy.
After the war Dean took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned his Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo. His early experiences with airplanes led him to a career in the aerospace field where he worked for Bell Aircraft, Martin Marietta, and Rockwell International. He was very proud of his work first on defense missiles, and later on NASA projects like Sky Lab and the Space Shuttle. His career took him from his origins in New York, to White Sands, NM, Denver, CO and finally to the Houston area.
Along the way he married Joyce in 1955 and the two of them started a family comprised of a daughter and two sons. Dean was an excellent provider for his family and lead by example. For him it was truly "do as I do AND as I say".
He was active in the Methodist church, serving in the choir for many years and served on a number of committees such as the Trustees. Dad always prayed to the Lord before every meal and regularly attended church services!
After he retired, Dean indulged Joyce's love of antiques. He often traveled with her on buying trips and to various shows. Later he helped her to set up her own antique shop in Seabrook, TX. He helped her to operate this store until her death in 1999.
One of the greatest gifts that our parents gave us was the opportunity to see the country. Every year Joyce's wanderlust had Dean packing up the station wagon and setting out for some part of the country, camping along the way to save money. Sometimes we went to see family, sometimes just to see the country.
By the time we were young adults, we had been in all 48 continental states, Mexico, and Canada. These trips sometimes included World's Fair expositions in Seattle ('62), New York ('64), Montreal ('67), San Antonio ('68). To accommodate these trips, Dean first made a roof-top box out of plywood to carry camping equipment and Mom's antiques. Later he fashioned a car-side tent fashioned from a surplus military tent which could be erected quickly on the side of the road.
Dean was the ultimate handyman, doing anything and everything around the house. This included plumbing, carpentry, electrical, yard work, gardening, cement work. He also was quite the mechanic, even to the point of rebuilding car engines. His children watched, and helped Dean do these things and they learned that if they could to do anything if they put their minds to the task at hand.
In 1975 Dean and Joyce bought a few acres in Seabrook, TX along HWY 146 which had a defunct small bar named 'The Tiger's Den'. It was in this refurbished bar that the family lived for a number of years while Joyce developed her antique business. It was on this property that they moved a 100-year old house and made it a home.
Dean's only enemy were the armadillos that frequented his lawn and garden. These offenders were sometimes met with a blast from his 12 gauge- which the Seabrook Police had to remind him was against city ordinance.
Dean and Joyce embodied the concept of 'marriage'. While they didn't always agree on things, they always supported each other. The words 'in sickness and in health' had real meaning for them both, first Joyce supported Dean when he had open heart surgery in 1976. Later, when Joyce went through two episodes of cancer, Dean was always at her side. He was an excellent and loving caregiver, even as her health failed.
A few of his favorite sayings with his grandchildren were, when asked "where are we going" his response was "crazy". Additionally he would state "I hate fun" and "very niccce".
He was proud and always had a smile and a laugh when interacting with his grandchildren- even when teaching Chase how to ride a bike.
From grandchild: At Christmas he liked to dress up in Christmas colors, including a festive jacket and/or sweater. From grandchild: Grandpa always was willing to be helpful around the house, for example washing dishes, even when he wasn't feeling well. From his daughter-in-law: Dean was the kindest, most gentle man she ever knew.
Dean is well loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
Preceded in death by: Wife Joyce Louise Abendschein (maiden name Ehat), brother Neal Louis Friend (nee Abendschein) and sister Nancy Louise Purrington (nee Nancy Louise Abendschein).
Surviving children: Denise Louise Abendschein, Andrew Louis Abendschein, Peter Louis Abendschein; Grandchildren: Chase Louis Abendschein, Alyssa Ann Abendschein, Austin Louis Abendschein, Ashley Ann Abendschein, Connor Louis Abendschein.
Graveside services will be held at Saturday, 27 October, 2:00 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery, Webster, TX; under the direction of Ramsey Funeral Home.
Instead of flowers, remembrances may be made to: American Legion Post 174, 1000 North College Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
You are invited to share a message or memory in the memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.
Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown.
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