Craig Jeffrey Dean, age 57, of Lutz, Florida passed into eternal life on Saturday, December 1. Born in Tampa, Florida on September 25, 1961, Craig was the second of five children born to Maralyn Jean Beerman Dean (deceased) and Clayton Thomas Dean. Craig graduated from Leto High School.
Through his life, Craig enjoyed multiple opportunities to work in construction, food service, and a retirement center. He retired early as a result of health difficulties. He was known for his loving heart and helpful spirit. He never angered and treated everyone with kindness.
Craig enjoyed watching the Miami Dolphins football team and the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team; he enjoyed computer solitaire games, binge watched westerns and cop shows on television, and was a blessed companion to his father after his mother's death.
Craig is survived by his father, Clayton Thomas Dean, his elder sister Carol Joanne Dean Robbins (Patrick), and three younger sisters: Cheryl Jeannette Dean Baker (Bart), Colleen Jayne Dean Newsome (Eric), and Christine Joyce Dean Lacy (Michael). Perhaps the biggest joy of his life was his interaction with these loving sisters. We sisters will miss his crushing hugs. Craig also enjoyed time with his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home in Tampa. After the service, Craig will be laid to rest in Fort Meade, Florida, beside other family members.
The Scripture tell us that "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." While we grieve that our beloved Craig was taken from us so suddenly, we rejoice in knowing that he is now alive and healthy, reunited with his mother, and awaiting a future reuniting with his family. He will be missed by his earthly family and friends.
My sincere condolences to the Dean family for your loss. Though I did not know your loved one personally, it is very obvious they were loved. May the following scripture bring you comfort and peace.
2Cor.1:3-4 "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God."
My condolences go out to the family and friends. It is never easy to cope with the loss of a loved one, but God offers hope! At Revelations 21:3,4 God promises that death will be no more! Imagine what a wodnerful time that will be! I hope this leaves you with hope in the times to come.