COLUMBUS
Russell J. Dean, 61, of Nashville, died at 11:40 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2017, at Willow Crossing Health and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus.
Mr. Dean worked at Brown County State Park and was a National Guard veteran. Rusty was a member of the volunteer fire department and paramedics in Nashville. He was known as “Santa Claus” and “Bo-C-Bo” the clown.
Mr. Dean enjoyed crafts, especially cross-stitching, and playing card games. In his younger days, he played roller hockey with the team from Southland Skating Rink. Rusty would also cook for local fish fries in Nashville.
The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home, (4205 Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN, 47201) with Ryan Smith officiating. Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Friday, August 25, 2017, at the funeral home.
Following his wishes, cremation will take place after the service. Military honors will be presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Brown County Community Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Dean family at barkesweaverglick.com.
Mr. Dean was born on October 28, 1955, to the late John and Loretta Hacker Dean in Indianapolis, IN.
On May 6, 1996, he married Leda VanArsdale.
Survivors include his wife, Leda; children, Brittany (Darren Petrey) Lewis, Tessa Dean, Danielle (Bobby) Goodin, all of Brown County; his mother, Loretta Hawkins of Ellettsville, IN; brothers, Brad (Cindy Kelly) Hawkins of Columbus, IN., Brian (DeeAnna) Hawkins of Burksville, KY, John Dean of Colorado; sisters, Ginger (Andy) Hernandez of Ventura, CA, Melanie Dean of Moorseville, IN, Lynette St. John, Cheri; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Jacob O’ Dean; sister, Gay Dean; and stepfather, Charles Hawkins.
