EDDIE LEE DEAN, SR. , 76, of El Dorado, Kansas passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Wesley Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.  Eddie was born August 6, 1947 in Wichita, Kansas. He was the son of Alice "May" Pardee and Herbert H. Dean.

Eddie's life was a testament to his resilience, ingenuity and passion. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where he began forging a path that defined his character and contributions to his community and beyond.

At a young age, Eddie moved to El Dorado, Kansas and started his career in public service at the Butler County Ambulance Service.  From there he began working in law-enforcement and became El Dorado Police Department's first detective.

In 1968, Eddie started venturing in entrepreneurship, partnering with David Greene Sr. in establishing Trailwood Company, Inc. and, later, C&J Distributing.  Eddie's professional journey continued to flourish as a real estate developer, realtor, broker, storage owner, and a board member at Community National Bank.  Eddie's passion wasn't limited to his professional endeavors; he had a love for racing Corvettes and dragging Douglas in Wichita, Kansas. Eddie also enjoyed hunting trips with his sons and friends, and looked forward to spontaneous road trips.

Eddie is survived by his beloved, Golden Doodle, Goldie; his children, Robin (Gale) Brown, Jennifer (Bill) Blair, Eddie (Willow) Dean Jr., Shawn Dean, Shelby Nigh, John Rothwell, and Shane Murray; his brother, Rick Dean; as well as by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and May, and by his sister, Sharon K. Dean.

We invite friends, family, and those whose lives were touched by Eddie to join us in celebrating his life on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 1:00 PM at First Christian Church, located at 300 W. Central Ave., El Dorado, KS. Pastor Stan Seymour will preside over the service, with interment to follow in Walnut Valley Cemetery in El Dorado, Kansas.

Lunch will be provided prior to the funeral from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM for family and friends at the First Christian Church cafeteria.

Memorial donations in Eddie's memory may be made to the McAdams Academy, 903 S Glenn Ave, Wichita, KS 67213 or to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105.