Donald Lamar Dean, Jr., 61, of Starke, passed from this life peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home following an extended illness. Born in Jacksonville, Lamar was a 1981 graduate of Osceola High School in Kissimmee. He had resided in Starke for the past 4 years moving there from Middleburg. Lamar worked as a truck driver for 34 years having worked with 5 different companies and most recently with 10 Roads Express. Lamar had also served the last 13 years as the minister of the Starke Church of Christ. In addition, he volunteered for 13 years with Florida Youth Challenge Academy. Years ago, Lamar sang tenor with a Gospel Quartet. In his leisure time Lamar enjoyed camping.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Twain Dean.
Lamar is survived by his wife of 15 years and “best friend”, Christa Dean of Middleburg, his mother, Helen Haddock McMath of Palatka, his father Donald Dean and Step-Mother, Brenda of Lawtey, 2 sons, Brett L. Dean (Nicole) of Crawfordville and Justin K. Dean (Jenna) of Hilliard, 2 step-daughters, Rebekah Prevatt (Shawn) of Gainesville and Megan Fretwell (Joe) of Middleburg, a brother, Patrick Dean (Dawn) of Okeechobee, 9 grandchildren, Wyatt Dean, Eli Dean, Cheyenne Dean, Logan Dean, Lane Dean, Landon Dean, Lawson Dean, Judah Prevatt and Jireh Prevatt.
Services celebrating Lamar’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Starke Church of Christ with Bro. C.L. Overturf, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 P.M. at Haddock Cemetery in Kings Ferry (Nassau County). The family will receive friends Friday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to FLYCA Ministry Program, c/o, Kingsley Lake Baptist Church, 6289 Mary Dot Lane, Starke, FL 32091.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Lamar’s Book of Memories at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka