Nancy Golden
When I think about Mr. Deans, I think about both legacy and Christian witness. Mr. Deans was a deacon at Richardson East Church of Christ when I went there as a teenager. I have known the Deans family for as long as I can remember. We are shaped by the experiences we have during our life and Mr. Deans and the Deans family have played an important part in shaping mine. It didn't matter whether it was a church function or just an awkward kid wanting to have friends, I always knew I could depend on the Deans family to make me feel welcome. I loved going over to the Deans house, knowing that at any moment a cockatiel might land on my head.
I find that I have a poor memory, which frustrates me sometimes, because I can't remember everything from my childhood and youth that I'm sure are great stories, although Katherine remembers for me. But I do remember throughout that time and well into adulthood all the way up to now, I have always been made to feel special and important by the Deans family. Mr. Deans called me by my childhood nickname, P'scetti, whenever I saw him. That might not seem like much but for a person who has very little extended family, having people in your life pay attention to these small things is priceless.
Mr. And Mrs. Deans along with Katherine helped my husband Phil and I fulfill our dream of having our own place in the country. We didn't get to see the Deans very often as life got very busy, but when we did, we felt like it was yesterday. The occasion might be the Mesquite Rodeo, going by the house in Richardson for a short visit, or visiting at the hospital.
The Deans always made me feel like family and I always enjoyed and appreciated the conversations I had with Mr. Deans. I think he liked the fact that I was an engineer and so we would talk a little bit about engineering stuff and Collins Radio, or his teaching days, whenever I was over. He always made me feel valued. I loved seeing his ready smile and bright eyes as we conversed about different subjects such as his trombone-playing days in the air force. He had an enthusiasm for sharing about the past that was contagious.
As a Christian witness, Mr. Deans lived the tagline that is on the Care Church website: “We are the Christians at Richardson East (CARE) and this is more than a name. It's a way of life. One of the most important gifts we can give to the world is people who care.” And Mr. Deans was certainly a person who cared. His involvement in ministry extends decades and the lives that he is touched are too numerous to count. I am grateful that I am one of them.
I occasionally get to that house on Highland Boulevard for a visit and while I look forward to continuing to do so, I will miss getting to hug Mr. Deans and chat with him awhile. But I am also grateful that it's not goodbye, but only see you later. I'm sure he's going to visit with my mom and dad in heaven and tell them what I've been up to.
The verse that comes to mind when I think about Mr. Deans’ life is James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Mr. Deans loves the Lord, and he loves people enough to share with them about Jesus. He battled his health issues these past years with grace. His legacy and Christian witness continue to live in his family and all of the lives he touched, including mine. Thank you, Mr. Deans. You are already missed – but we’re grateful to know you have received your crown of life and are with your Lord and Savior.
-P'scetti (Nancy Venetucci Golden)