Leslie Dean Williams

Born on October 13, 1921, Leslie 'Dean' Williams passed away peacefully at his French Camp home on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at the age of 97.

Dean grew up on the family farm on Leroy Rd. in Ripon, CA. He attended Atlanta Grammar School & Ripon High School. As a young man, he had an interest in airplanes and enrolled in the Aeronautical Institute of Technology in Los Angeles. After working for Douglas Aircraft for a short time, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served throughout WWII with intensive training and became an Advanced Fighter Gunnery Pilot Instructor. He closed out his military career with a rank of Captain.

After the war, Dean settled into family life and a truck driving career that he retired from in 1983 – his last 20 years spent with System 99 Trucking Co. in Stockton, CA. He was a member of the Teamsters Union.

Dean enjoyed both work and play. His 'off duty' hours were filled with many enjoyable activities including camping and fishing, flying airplanes, boating and waterskiing, RV traveling, bowling and abalone diving. He also involved himself with civic responsibilities, being a past Elks Club Exalted Ruler.

After retirement, Dean became an avid golfer and continued the sport into his final months of life.

Dean loved the Lord, loved his country, loved his family, and loved all those whose contributed to his rich life, especially his 'co-pilot' granddaughter Rhonda, and his neighborhood family who were a great support to him during his last years.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, John and Sarah Williams; brothers Leroy, Lyle, and Chet, sister Sadie Mae Wautier, son Dean Jr., daughters Bonnie LaBass, and Judith (stillborn); and great granddaughter Rachel. He also now joins his beloved late wife of 43 years, Dorothy (Bobbie) Williams.

Dean is survived by his brothers Charlie (Helen) and Stanley, sister Nadine Kellogg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is further survived by step-daughter Dona Jo (Ruch) Roberts; nine grandchildren and their spouses; 20 great grandchildren and spouses; and 7 great-great grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 10am at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 East River Road in Escalon. For condolences to his family, please visit Dean’s online guestbook at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com