Dean Brumfield
January 22, 1918 - October 18, 2010
Obituary
Rell Dean Brumfield passed away 18 October 2010, at Judson Park Retirement Center in Des Moines, WA. He was born 22 January 1918 in Belpre, Kansas. As a young man, Dean moved west with his family, to begin a new life in Bozeman, MT. While attending Montana State University, he met Annette Van Dyken on the tennis courts…the score was ‘love-love’! As did so many young men of ‘The Greatest Generation’, he entered the Army-Air Corps and served his country admirably. They married and lived in California before he was shipped overseas. Annette returned to Bozeman where she birthed their first son, Don. She and Don moved out to Seattle and were living with Ben and Bernice Brumfield, in West Seattle, when Dean returned to Ft. Lewis from the war. It was a joyous time for all. Dean and Annette had three more sons, Darrell, Carl and Dave and made a good life in the Boulevard Park area of South Seattle. Dean was a gifted tenor singer and participated in music with the Ralston Male Chorus and several church choirs. He attended Boulevard Park Presbyterian, Riverton Heights Presbyterian and Calvary Christian Reformed churches. The main part of his working career was as a dental supply salesman, retiring from the S.S. White Company in the late 1970’s. Dean was preceded in death by Annette who passed away in 1980. In 1983, Dean married Jeanette Porter, friend of the Brumfield family from West Seattle. They lived in Tacoma until Jeanette passed away in 2005. Dean was also preceded in death by his only brother, and best friend, Ben Brumfield, and Ben’s wife Bernice of Bozeman, MT and West Seattle. Dean was a born-again Christian, a good husband and father, and loved to sing about his Savior. In Heaven’s grand chorus, someone will have to move over. Dad will be first chair, tenor section! He will not be in need of oxygen anymore…he will be in full voice! Dean is survived by his sons Don Deborah, Darrell Lucy, Carl Patti, and Dave Debra, 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 ‘in the oven’, and 1 great-great-grandson. Also, Dean was preceded in death by Step-son Mike, and wife Lynn Porter, survived by Step-son Roger Porter Janice, 5 step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to either Rainier Christian Schools or Hospice of Group Health. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 3:30 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA. 206 242-1787.
We’ve read the obituary of your father. What a full life he led! We remember him well from the “south end church”, and did you know, He sang at our wedding reception?
May God bless all of you with his peace and comfort. George and Ervie
Dear Brumfields,
During the short 5 years I lived in Seattle I have such fond memories of Dean’s beautiful singing voice. May God’s love and grace give you peace and may all your wonderful memories sustain you in this sorrowful time. Jeanne Chatelain Townsend daughter of Carol Brumfield Chatelain
Dear Brumfields,
During the short 5 years I lived in Seattle I have such fond memories of Dean’s beautiful singing voice. May God’s love and grace give you peace and may all your wonderful memories sustain you in this sorrowful time. Jeanne Chatelain Townsend daughter of Carol Brumfield Chatelain
Sorry we can’t be with you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. It is a bitter sweet emotion but what a joy to know that he is now with the Lord in glory!! Hallelujah!
Dear Brumfield Family – all of you great folks!! Our hearts are with you as you grieve the loss of Dean but we are also praising God with you for a life well-lived for our blessed Savior. Wow, how Dean must celebrating at this very moment…. and we are smiling and laughing with you too over some wonderful, fun memories! Buns