Billy E. Dean, 88, Topeka, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015.

Billy was born July 24, 1926 at Glen Elder, the son of Edward and Elizabeth Dean, in a farm community. He graduated from Glen Elder High School.

He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, a carrier which followed the U.S.S. Missouri into the harbor where the Peace Treaty was signed to end the war.

He entered the Insurance field in 1946 with the Missouri Life Insurance Company and later with Globe Life, and then United American. He celebrated 50 years in the Life Insurance industry in 1996. He kept his Insurance license active until 2004.

He was a member of Crestview United Methodist Church, Orient Lodge #51 A.F. & A.M., the Cosmopolitan Club where he previously served as President, Junior Jaycees, YMCA where he served on the advisory board, and the U.S.S. Lexington Retired Crew Members. He volunteered at the Topeka Rescue Mission.

Billy married Twila Blaser on September 10, 1951. They were married for 43 years before her passing on October 3, 1994. He married Idell Miles in 1996. She died in 1999. He married Elizabeth (Beth) Oliver on March 10, 2000. She survives. Other survivors include son, Rick Steven Dean, Topeka; step-son, Kent (Dianne) Oliver; step-granddaughter, Allison Oliver, all of Nashville, TN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Dean.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Crestview United Methodist Church. Burial will follow with military honors at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers at Clare Bridge of Topeka for all of their services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements.