Dean William Edeal, 91, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. He was born March 17, 1919, on the family farm near Overton, Nebraska, to Alvin and Edna (Cole) Edeal.

Dean attended country school through the 10th grade and then transferred to Lexington High School, graduating in 1936, as president of his class. He then went on to college at the University in Lincoln where he played baseball and was active on the Poultry Judging Team. Dean returned to the farm and was united in marriage to Mary Arlene Pullen on February 12, 1939, at Kearney, Nebraska.

Dean was always active in the community and his church. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served as a church trustee for many years. He was a past member of the school board for District #21, the Soil Conservation Board, the ASCS Board, a Farm Bureau member and the family was honored with the University of Nebraska Honor Family of the Year in 1961, as well as being honored with the Lexington Chamber of Commerce Farm Family of the year in 1982.

Dean and Arlene hosted the Dawson County Cattlemen's tour for two years and Dean was so proud of having lived on the same farm for 59 years. He loved the land and enjoyed raising livestock and growing a large garden.

He instilled in his family a wonderful work ethic and was always active in all of his children's activities. He was active in 4-H when the children were young. Dean loved baseball and was a member of the Nebraska Independent League, he was so proud of having his son, Russell, and grandson, David play for the Cornhuskers at the University in Lincoln. Memories were made and cherished with the family traveling to Lincoln to watch the football games. Dean loved gardening, woodworking, playing cribbage and cards, collecting aluminum pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, visiting and being with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years: Arlene Edeal of Lexington, Nebraska, Three sons and wives: Russell (Kathryn) Edeal of Loomis, Nebraska, Brian (Teri) Edeal of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, Arlin (Jean) Edeal of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, Two daughters and husbands: Karen (Robert) Kander of Stanton, Nebraska, Eldeana (Randy) Boals of Sutton, Nebraska, One sister: Retha Wycoff of Lexington, Nebraska, Seventeen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. One sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Floyd & Ruth Thiel of Friendship, Maryland. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Alan Dean.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, March 26, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Cremation will take place following the Funeral Service and Inurnment will be held later. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or the Donor's Choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Words of encouragement and sympathy may be sent to the family via www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com