DEAN THEODORE PRIDGEON

March 18, 1936–Dec. 31, 2024

Dean Theodore Pridgeon, devoted husband, passed away in his sleep on New Year’s Eve. He was born on March 18, 1936, to Hank and Maxine Pridgeon and was the baby of the Pridgeon clan.

His childhood in Upton, Wyoming, was spent alongside his three siblings, Barb, Jerry and Jack, in the Foltz grocery store that his parents owned.

Once he graduated from Upton High School, he spent some time in Black Hills State University before joining up with the United States Navy, moving far from home and eventually joining the explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) unit. Dean traveled all over the world while in the Navy and had plenty of stories to prove it. He served his country honorably, retiring in 1975, which was 30 years of service. While home on leave after finishing bootcamp he went to a basketball game at Newcastle High School and met the love of his life and future wife, Beverly Ann Thompson. She would write letters to him while he was away in the service and their love story had begun. They were married off a navy base in Escondido, California, Sept, 26, 1958. They were committed partners and a model for what a marriage should be up until her death. They were married for 57 years, and Dean was a loving and committed husband to his sweetie.

Dean leaves behind his two daughters, Tammra (Edward) and Paula; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Taylor and Chance; one great-grandson, Caden; and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews. His family was the center of his life, and he was supportive, kind, loving and understanding. He had a warm personality with hints of mischievousness and wit. He was a strict military man and that was reflective of his life, but as his grandchildren entered his life he softened, and he became Grandpa Dean. He was a constant source of strength, love, encouragement and a role model for his grandchildren. His life was full of love, laughter, action movies, Broncos football, books, slot machines, travel and playing bridge. He spent most of his life in Newcastle and the surrounding area, and was a valued member of the community with many people from all walks of life impacted by him. He will be missed by the friends and family that knew and loved him, and if you met him and spent time with him you should be thankful.

Private family burial will be in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday Jan., 10, then a public gathering on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 1-3 p.m. at the Weston County Senior Citizen Center, Michael’s Room, for friends and family to share stories and memories.

Online condolences may be written at fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.