The golden voice of Eddie Dean
was silenced on March 4, 1999, at the age of 91. His lovely wife of 67 years, Dearest,
carries on.
A seventh son of a seventh son of a seventh son from Posey, Texas, Dean
starred in Westerns (and even did most of his own stunts!) in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s.
On television, Dean starred in a short-lived series, called The
Marshal of Gunfight Pass, in which he portrayed Marshal Eddie Dean. Later, he was a
police officer in two episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies. Dean sang
professionally for over 80 years. Many of Dean's fans contend that his voice sounded
better in his aging years than when in his prime. Dean had his own show in the early days
of radio, and later co-wrote hit songs, such as, "I Dreamed of Hillbilly
Heaven," and with Dearest, "One Has My Name and the Other Has My Heart."
His latest release was "Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch," in 1997.
Dean was founder of the Academy of Country Music. He won many awards,
and ranked in the top ten most popular cowboy stars before retiring from films to travel
the world and give live performances. Dean was a avid golfer and a quality person. His
talent, warmth and charm will be deeply missed. |
