Dean Finch, 72, of Edmond, OK, died Jan. 11, 2022, at his home.
He was born May 5, 1949, to Jess and Dolly (Thompson) Finch in Womack, MO.
Dean was raised in Fredricktown, MO. He attended OSU Okmulgee Tech and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from UCO in Edmond.
He joined the U.S. Army, March 1, 1969, and served his country as a Vietnam veteran until his honorable discharge. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and was inducted as a distinguished member of the 506th Infantry Regiment 2020 at Ft. Campbell, KY.
He returned from active duty to Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK, where he met his future wife, Bettye M. King. They were married on Aug. 21, 1971.
He moved to Tecumseh in 1982 where he made his home and raised his children.
Dean taught automotive repair at Boswell High School and retired from Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech in May of 2003. After retirement, he bought a farm in Seminole. He loved tinkering and restoring old cars, raising horses, collecting coins, going to swap meets and traveling. He especially loved attending Vietnam Reunions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ronald and Daniel; and sisters, Wanda Cooper, Bonnie Slocum and Carolyn Montgomery.
He is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jennifer K. and Jason Ricker of Edmond, OK, Kimberlye E. Finch of Shawnee, OK, and Larissa L. and Darrell Chambers of Shawnee, OK; former wife, Bettye M. Finch of Shawnee, OK; grandchildren, Dalton Mize and wife Morganne, Kayleigh Kidd and husband Brandon, and Sydney L. Ricker; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
Service was Jan. 15, 2022, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Keith Ward, Taproot Church, Shawnee, OK, and nephew, Reverend Sean Cooper officiating. Burial followed at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. The celebration of Dean’s life was live streamed through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
