Dean Edward Luce

Dean Edward Luce, 92, formerly of Ashtabula, died Wednesday, November 7 at Saint Agnes Hospital in Fresno, California. He was born August 13, 1926 in Ashtabula, Ohio. The son of Edward and Edna (Harmon) Luce.

He graduated from Edgewood Senior High School in 1945. In 1948 he married his lifelong companion Hilda (Bedell) Luce. They had two children, Dennis and Bonnie. He attended Kent State University and had special training with the National Radio and TV school. Dean joined the Army AirCorp during WWII and did his basic training at Kessler Field. He became an aircraft engineer with a special schooling in the B32 airplanes. After the war Dean worked at Sears Radio and TV in the maintenance department, he owned his own TV business and soon went to work for Morrison Radio. He also drove school bus for the Ashtabula School District. He went back for continuing education and eventually became a teacher at Ashtabula High School. He also taught electronics at The Ashtabula Joint Vocational School. Having summers off he often gave his good friends help. He delivered milk for Kenny Loomis’ Sealtest route and drove 18 wheelers for Ted Crowther at Crowther trucking. He enjoyed being a member of Neal Post #743 in Kingsville. With the American Legion, he was instrumental in starting several of their programs that are still active today. He was also a lifelong member of the Eastside Presbyterian Church where he held positions on several committees as well as being Sunday school superintendent for 18 years.

Dean loved helping his community and in 2010 was awarded the "Cup of Water" from area churches and also one year was "senior citizen of year”, noting all he had done in the community.

He enjoyed model railroading, computers, and traveling, having visited all 50 states with his wife Hilda. Dean and Hilda in their younger years could be found “cutting the rug” at local dances. Dean was also very good at roller skating and could be found skating with his children at the roller rink.

Dean was preceded in death by his loving wife Hilda Luce, his son Dennis Luce, two brothers Richard and Herbert Luce, four step siblings Alyce Parrish, Catherine French, Duane Carey and Alfred (Bus) Carey. He is survived by his daughter Bonnie (Dan) Buus of California, his stepsister Helen Jerauld of Ashtabula, grandchildren, Robert (Jen) Kifer, Mike (Lindsay) Kifer, Terry (Lacie) Kifer, Dean (Sara) Luce, Andrea (Dave Mencin) Buus, Adrienne (Eric) Burns and 9 great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Friday, 5/17/19 at the Eastside Presbyterian Church sanctuary, 3440 Edgewood Dr., Ashtabula at 11:00 AM with Reverend Michelle Bartell officiating. Visitation will be from 9AM-11AM in the church basement. Burial with American Legion Neal Post #743 rendering full military honors will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in North Kingsville. Remembrances may be made to Eastside Presbyterian Church in Deans name at the above address.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Ashtabula, Jefferson & Geneva are honored to serve the Dean Luce family.  Express condolences, view obituary, send a flower or light a candle at fleming-billman.com.
 

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