Dean Allen Betts' Obituary
Dean Allen Betts, 63, of Grove, Okla., formerly of Garrett, Ind., passed away on August 13, 2023, at Saint Francis Hospital, in Tulsa, Okla. Born in Toledo, Ohio to the late Kenneth and Dorothy (nee Hutton) Betts, Dean was raised in Bowling Green, Ohio. Throughout his adult life he resided in various locations in Northeast Indiana and Fredonia, Kansas before settling in Grove.
Dean's career took him many places over the years, and he made friends and impressed colleagues everywhere he went. He started a career in restaurant management and ownership before following in his father's footsteps learning the machine tool & die trade. His interest in tool and die work led him to Fredonia, Kansas and finally to Grove, Oklahoma. Dean held many positions over the years. He was a machine operator, NC Programmer, Engineering Manager, and business owner. He honed his tool design skills in projects ranging from plastic injection molding to precision metal machining. On the job, he made car parts, aerospace components, and so much more. While Dean was generally a quiet man, his dedication to his career was apparent if you asked him, "What's going on in the shop this week?" One thing that was true in all of his endeavors was his dedication not only to the work he did, but to the people he worked with. He taught and mentored many people, earning their respect and praise.
Outside of his professional life, Dean had a warm and gentle personality that endeared him to everyone he met. He was passionate about everything firearms and enjoyed both hunting and target shooting. He supported organizations such as Duck Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the NRA. He shot competitively in his younger years, including competitions held in the National Rifle Club, International Practical Shooting Confederation, and various hobby leagues. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his passion for firearms with others, and his sons benefited greatly from his patient teaching of gun safety and shooting skills.
He also loved to be out on the lake. Whether he was cruising around Story Lake in a rowboat, captaining his pontoon boat on Grand Lake, or fishing with his father and family on Lake Erie, he was at home and found peace on the water.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Joanne (nee Cole) Betts; sons, Adam (Abigail) Betts, Daniel (Chevas Hefflinger) Steinman, and Doug (Kara) Steinman; siblings, Dennis Betts, David (Sharon) Betts, and Cynthia (Allan Franklin) Betts; and grandchildren, Dylan and Katelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas Betts.
A celebration of life is from 10 am to 1 pm, Saturday, August 26, 2023, at McIntyre Place, 116 S. Jackson St, Auburn with a sharing of memories beginning at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials to Ducks Unlimited or Pheasants Forever. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com
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