Merrial "Dean" Deel

Merrial Dean Deel, 87, of Lick Creek, Virginia passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a Baptist and loved the Lord with all his heart. Dean enjoyed gardening, telling tales, listening to Gospel and Bluegrass music, and most of all spending time with his family. He touched the lives of all around him. Dean was born in Dickenson County, Virginia, on May 15, 1938, to the late Lester and Lillie Deel. He was the sixth of thirteen children and was raised with strong family values that guided him throughout his life. Dean graduated from Ervinton High School in 1957. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After returning home, Dean began a career in law enforcement with the police force in Newport News, Virginia. He later returned to Dickenson County, where he began a long and distinguished career with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Dean retired on August 1, 2004, as a Senior Special Agent after 42 years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dean was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lillie Deel; his brothers, Archie, Garner, and Carter Deel; and his sisters, Elsie Edwards and Ellen Deel. Surviving brothers and sisters are Vina Reilly (husband Barney), Sharon Patton (husband Ron), Corneil Michaels (husband Ron), Debbie Deel (husband Lonnie), Dwight Deel (wife Cloris), David Deel (wife Carolyn), and Hubert Deel. He is survived by the love of his life for 63 years, Sandra Deel; his sons, Tim Deel (wife Sharon), Brent Deel (wife Jessica), and Randy Deel (wife Wendy); his grandchildren, Billy, Brandon, Tanner (wife Kylie), Andrew, Braxton, and Madison; and his great-grandchildren, Will, Tyler, Tanleigh, and a great-granddaughter expected soon. He is also survived by his special friend, Charlie Dye who brought comfort and warmth to his later years. Dean will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his lifetime of service to his country and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 20, 2026, in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, with funeral services to begin at 1:00, with Pastor Darrell Thacker speaking. Burial will follow at the Deel Family Cemetery up on Middle of the World. Pallbearers will be Tim Deel, Brent Deel, Randy Deel, Brandon Deel, Tanner Deel, Andrew Deel, and Braxton Deel

Merrial "Dean" Deel

May 15, 1938 - January 18, 2026