From the Payson (AZ) Roundup newspaper

Dean Younker, 86, of Payson, AZ was called home to heaven to be with our lord on Feb. 4, 2021. His work here on earth was done.

Dean was born in Columbiaville, MI and was raised on his family farm in Oxford, MI. He graduated high school in 1952 from Oxford High. While working on the farm, Dean helped his father develop the first freezer locker in the State of Michigan. After working at General Motor for several years, Dean and his sister Mavis moved to San Diego, CA in the mid 1950’s. Dean worked for General Dynamics where he helped build the Atlas Missile. During this time he became a licensed electrician, plumber and general contractor. Later he owned and operated his own electrical company and began expanding his services. During this time he earned his pilots license and eventually bought his Cessna 172. Dean also volunteered with the San Diego Drum and Bugle Corps and coached girls softball.

Dean married the love of his life Darlene on June 1, 1974. While he continued to work as an electrician, he began volunteering his time with the Dehesa Volunteer FD, was instrumental in building the fire station and ultimately became chief. Dean and Darlene served the volunteer fire dept for seventeen years. He also served and volunteered for several community organizations. They loved to travel and enjoyed several cruises.