Dean L. Hodges (Papa Dean)
Former Laurel resident, Dean Hodges, passed July 27th, 2020, peacefully in his Colstrip home.
Dean was born November 9th, 1954 to Albert and Barbara Hodges of Laurel, MT. Cars were an interest of his from an early age and into his teens as he owned and wrecked over a dozen by the time he graduated from Laurel high school in 1973. After high school he worked for Western Sugar Co-op, he told the story of the day he got the job as his mom drove him to the factory at shift change and made him ask for a job. In 1989 he married his best friend and love of his life, Mary Kay. He then worked as a radiator repairman where a back injury sparked a change in his life’s path and led him back to school.
Dean graduated with honors from the University of Montana School of Pharmacy in 1999 with his wife and children cheering him on. He then was offered a position at the Indian Health Services in Lame Deer, MT so he and his family moved to nearby Colstrip where he resided for the next 21 years.
Dean’s interests included wood carving, drinking coffee at his daughter’s Coffee Shop (where he handed out compliments and fun facts for free), bird watching, cruising in his 1973 AMC Gremlin and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Dean is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Kay, his children and grandchildren, LaWanda (Jay) Patrick, Jessy, & Isobella, Chrissy (Erik) Liam, Creed & Lincoln, Cynthia (Jesse) & Miles, Eli, Elizabeth (Paul), AJ (Ashley) HaiValee, Brayten, Ellionna & Jordan. His brother David (Becki) Mike & Ryan
His grandchildren fondly referred to him as “Papa Dean”.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 2279 Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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KIM says
DEAN, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS A PHARMACIST AT THE CLINIC.. YOU WERE AN AWESOME FRIEND, I WILL MISS YOU. REST IN PEACE AND SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest Sympathy and Condolences Dean’s Family. Dean was a good friend enjoyed working with him, RIP.
you were a great friend.
Mary says
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to end all suffering. Before long, God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away.”(Rev. 21:3,4). May this promise from God give you comfort now and a real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.
Melissa Whitewolf Royston says
To the Family of Dean, I’m sending my heartfelt condolences. He was a great coworker at the Lame Deer clinic. God bless.
Darbie Karch says
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. Worked with him at Walmart pharmacy. He was always joking and made the days go by faster. Enjoyed working with him. Prayers for your family.
Lonnye Finneman says
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. I went to pharmacy school with Dean, and appreciated his humor. My condolences go out to all of his family. Praying God’s comfort in the midst of the sorrow.
Jim and Rita Alderman says
Our sincere condolences to the family. We share in your loss Dean was wonderful man and friend he was a friend to everyone and I enjoyed our talks at the Lame Deer clinic and he made you feel good in times of pain and sickness
Pat and Nancy Belinak says
Our prayers and thoughts are with Dean’s family at this time. Dean went to Laurel High School with us, and graduated with my husband. We will remember him fondly and pray for comfort and blessings for his loved ones.
Pat and Nancy Belinak
Rick mcdougallsr says
I will miss dean we got to know each other by talking about old cars.i was always on the lookout for a 69 Chevy impala two door hard top with a 327 or 283 motor.he talked to me about my chemo and helped me be at ease with it.he made these neat walking sticks.and he was good around the grandkids.he was full of stores I’ll miss him rest will my freind.
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
So sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. I will miss visiting him at Coal Brew, Cynthia. I also appreciate all the years he was our pharmacist in Lame Deer at the Indian Health Center. May the Lord watch over you and keep you all safe. God Bless .
Debbie Skiles says
To the family of Dean, I am so sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. I really enjoyed visiting with Dean at Coal Brew. We had some interesting conversations. Some were serious, some medical, but always about family and grandchildren. We had many laughs together. I will miss Dean very much. He was a great guy! Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Bonnie says
Sorry for your loss. Dean was a fun to work with at the Clinic…always saying something funny to make someone laugh and feel better..RIP Dean.
Jim Redman says
The photo of Dean standing next to his prized Chevy was taken in 1972, and was featured in “The Heap of the Week” article in the Laurel Leaves school newspaper. He enjoyed working on his car and was always friendly, funny, and eager to have a good laugh. I have known him since the first grade and we graduated together in 1973. He will be missed. RIP good friend! My sincerest prayers and condolences to his family.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Chrissy , Cynthia and Family. We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. We hope your broken hearts will someday heal with your wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your loved ones. Buggs and Loni Hartman
Paul Butler says
Dean and I were neighbors in Laurel for our entire childhood years. We graduated from Laurel High together as well. After that we went different directions, and I never saw Dean again. As a youth he was wild, eccentric, and a good friend to have. God bless you Dean.