Dean R. Lichtenfels, 84, the beloved husband of Helen A. Thurston Lichtenfels of Daytona Beach, FL and Black Lick went to be with the Lord at 1:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at St. Andrew's Village, Indiana, PA with all of his family around him.A son of the late William F. and Mabel Campbell Lichtenfels, he was October 22, 1921 in Heshbon, Indiana Co., PA.Dean was the founder and proud owner of Lichtenfels Trucking in Black Lick, PA for over 50 years. He had so many important parts of his life. Since moving to Florida during the winter months, Dean was proud of the fact that he held a meaningful position driving bus and van transportation for Bethune-Cookman College of Daytona Beach. Dean had in his life been a coal miner, Burrell Township Supervisor, contracted work for LICMA and Pennsylvania state road work. He ran race cars in his youth and continued to drive that way throughout his entire life. Work ethic was instilled in his family seven days a week. He would hire kids all through his life to give them a start in a productive life. Whether you called him Dean, D.R., Dad, Pap, Big Pap or Pappy Dean once you were a part of his extended family you were treated as part of the family and held to his standards. He was a husband, father, grandfather great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.His greatest joy was to have a meal or a party with all of his family and friends present. For his 80th birthday his family and friends held a surprise party for him. Family and friends attended from all over the country and this day was a celebration of his life.He is survived by his wife, Helen Lichtenfels, whom he married July 30, 1987; mother-in-law, Margaret Thurston; daughters, Linda Lydic and husband, Roger; Lois Zack and husband, Ken; Bobbie St. Clair and husband, Ralph; Betty Cochran and husband, Randy and Cindy Gearhard; sons, Neil Lichtenfels and Jeff Gearhard and wife, Julie; grandchildren, Sheila Wilson and husband, Denny; Ken Zack and wife, Cindy; Dean St.Clair; Tammie Mack; Deanna Wooldridge-Smith; Lisa Wooldridge; Luren, Kelsey and Jacob Gearhard and Zachary Zilke; great grandchildren, Jamie Arone and husband, Tony; Matthew Wilson and wife, Misty; Mason Zack; Marc Zack; Meghan Mack; Karen Mack; Robert Sawyer; Marissa Smith and Jacob Smith; a great-great grandson, Jaxson Anthony Arone and a great-great granddaughter, Savanna Snow Wilson; and many nieces and nephews of whom he was the last remaining uncle. He was a part of all of their lives and they also knew he was there for them.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertha Dies Lichtenfels and seven brothers and four sisters.His family and friends will be celebrating his life again from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Friday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday in the funeral home with Rev. Jason L McQueen officiating.Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PAMemorial contributions may be made to, St. Andrew's Village Outdoor Furniture Fund, 1155 Indian Springs Rd., Indiana, PA 15701 in appreciation for the staff's loving kindness during Dean's last moments.There can never be enough thanks expressed to his wife, Helen. It was due to her care and love that made it possible for all his family and friends to continue to enjoy him until his latest illness.
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