News Summary
Henry Clay Dean, III, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and geologist, passed away in Houston. Known for his community mentorship, dedication to the oil sector, and active lifestyle, his legacy continues through his family and the lives he touched.
Houston – Henry Clay Dean, III, a cherished member of the community and a veteran of World War II, passed away at the age of 100 on August 3, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Dean’s legacy is marked by his remarkable dedication to service, both in his military career and his contributions to the fields of geology and community mentorship.
Born on May 26, 1925, in Montgomery, Texas, Dean demonstrated resilience and commitment early on when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1946. His service included significant participation in the Pacific Theater, where he earned a reputation embodying the ideals of the “Greatest Generation.” After the war, he went on to pursue higher education, graduating from The University of Texas in 1949 with a degree in geology.
Starting his professional career at Schlumberger in Calgary, Canada, Dean later married Jeanne Eleanor Adams, whom he met there. The couple moved to Houston post-marriage, where Dean continued to make impactful contributions to the oil and gas sector, notably with Tenneco Oil & Gas. His career took him to various cities including Denver, Pittsburgh, and Lafayette before he took early retirement. In retirement, he worked at Northwinds and concluded his career at EOG, where he was known for mentoring many young geologists. Dean’s positive attitude and self-discipline earned him admiration from his colleagues and mentees alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dean was an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, fostering community engagement through his involvement. He was passionate about athletics, having logged over 18,000 miles as an avid runner and golfer, continuing to run until the age of 83. This commitment to fitness reflected his dedication to living a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Dean is survived by two sons, Henry Clay Dean, IV, and wife Sue of Wisconsin, and S. Michael Dean and wife Diane of Houston. His family also includes a host of grandchildren: H. Clay Dean, IV, Collin Dean, Sarah and Collin Neumann, Greg Dean, Jeff Dean, Shannon Dean, and Ginny and Kevin Peining, along with twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jeanne, his parents, and his siblings.
In 2012, at the age of 87, Dean moved to The Buckingham Senior Living Community, where he not only formed new friendships but also continued to mentor new residents. His time there was characterized by personal connections and community spirit, with a fondness for growing tomatoes. Dean also enjoyed participating in a pool team and maintained a long-standing friendship with fellow resident Betty Allen. His family expresses profound gratitude to the staff at The Buckingham, especially LaDonna and Dorinne, for the unwavering care provided to Dean during his stay there.
A memorial service to honor Henry Clay Dean, III, is scheduled for August 16, 2025, at 2 PM in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons in Houston, with a reception to follow. Dean will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for inspiring countless individuals through his mentorship, discipline, and legacy of service.
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- Dignity Memorial: Henry Dean
- Wikipedia: Henry Clay
- New York Sun: Henry Clay
- Google Search: Henry Clay Dean
- Dignity Memorial: Robert Stringer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Henry Dean
- Dignity Memorial: Shirley McClellan
- Google News: Henry Clay Dean
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
