R. Dean Church Sr.

R. Dean Church Sr. passed away peacefully on May 27, surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sally Evans Church; his three children, R. Dean Church Jr. (Amy), David Church (Leah) and Anne Church Graffagnini (Mark); and grandsons Andrew, Peter, Mark, Matthew, Miles, Jacob, Julian and Joseph. He is also survived by his brother, Don Church (Cynthia); sister, Dollwinna Stewart (Jim); sisters-in-law, Corby Church, Diane Evans and Nancy Evans; and brothers-in-law, Frank Evans (Maurine) and Michael Evans (Rachel).

Preceded in death by his father, Homer Church; mother, Susan Church; his brother, Roger Church; and in-laws, Frank and Lonnie Evans.

Born in Ashland, Ky., on Sept. 23, 1942, Dean was a two-time All-American basketball player at USL under Coach Beryl Shipley, where he played from 1961 to 1965. He was elected to the USL Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974, the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981, and had his No. 12 jersey retired by USL in 2012. Dean enjoyed a 33-year career at Avondale Shipyards, where he retired as an Executive Vice President in 1999. He spent his retirement enjoying his family, playing golf with the “Krewe of 8:32” at Willowdale/Grand Ridge, working out at Elmwood Fitness Center and cruising on “The Second Collection.”

Dean was a faithful parishioner of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Luling, where Mass was held in his honor on Monday, June 2. Interment in St. Charles Cemetery in Luling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dean’s name to the Beryl Shipley Mended Hearts Scholarship, checks made out to the UL Foundation, UL Development Office, P.O. Box 43410, Lafayette, LA 70504.

Mothe Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.