Clarence Bernard Dean, Jr.

Clarence Bernard Dean, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington.

Born on May 15, 1935, in Marshall, Texas to Clarence Sr. and Margaret Dean, Clarence graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles in 1954 and pursued studies and participated in football at Los Angeles City College.

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 and had a distinguished military career that spanned 26 years. Much of his military career focused on physical therapy and rehabilitating fellow service members with injuries. Clarence’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

While stationed in Berlin, Germany, Clarence married Gisela (nee Müller) in 1970 and they welcomed the birth of their son Bernard two years later in Georgia.

Clarence’s last military stop brought him to Fort Lewis in 1978 and he retired in 1984 as Sergeant First Class. He went on to graduate from Pierce College in 1987 with an associate degree in recreation, parks and leisure services and then continued his career in physical therapy at the US Department of Veterans Affairs American Lake Medical Center for 16 years.

Clarence enjoyed traveling the world, sampling various international foods and beverages, listening to music, learning languages, and sports. His involvement in sports included an almost 54-year career in officiating softball, football, and basketball. He was most recently honored at the Tacoma-Pierce County 2025 Tribute to Champions with an Excellence in Officiating Award for his work umpiring softball games.

Throughout Clarence’s life, he was a loving husband and father who devoted much of his career to public service and helping others.

Clarence was preceded in death by his mother Margaret, father Clarence Sr., and sister Barbara Warren. He is survived by his wife Gisela, sister Carolyn Benze, sister Brenda Halliburton, son Bernard, granddaughter Hunter Danyelle, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at the Steilacoom Town Hall on November 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial services at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent at 2:00 PM.