Retired CMSgt Ardis Oneal Dean departed this world November 25, 2024 to join his Heavenly Father.  He was born January 5, 1937 in Rome, Mississippi to the late Felix Henry Dean, Sr. and Ozell (Singleton) Dean.  He was also predeceased by brothers, Derl and Donald Dean; sisters, Wynetta Bright, Annice Harris, and Margie Winter.  While stationed at Little Rock AFB, Airman Ardis Dean met and married Wanda Miller in 1958 when she was a student nurse at Arkansas Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.  

Ardis served more than 28 years in the United States Air Force and then worked another 16 years for Reliance Insurance Company of Philadelphia, PA.  After retiring from Reliance, he and Wanda moved to Heber Springs, AR.  Here he was active in Sugarloaf Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher, and helped out wherever needed.  He was also a Gideon, and an active Mason.  

He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Miller) Dean of 66 years and two sons; Gregory M. Dean and wife, Ann of Waldorf, Maryland; Christopher A. Dean and wife, Yumiko and grandson, Julian, of Layton, Utah.  Also surviving is one brother, Felix Dean Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.