Dean Edward Hines

Dean Hines ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Desert Sunset Funeral Home on Mar. 10, 2026.Dean Edward Hines, 93, formerly on Mancelona, now of Tucson Arizona passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 23, 2026.He was born on August 12, 1932, in Memphis, Michigan the son of James Rodney Hines and Anna (May) Hines. Dean grew up in Memphis on a dairy farm along with his eight siblings. While spending many early mornings milking cows he and his siblings would sing and harmonize to all the animals. His love for music began there and he continued into his high school years as all nine kids sang in church.In high school he played football and ran track, setting a school record as a hurdler. He also loved boxing and participated in the Golden Glove/Amateur Boxing Association.Dean graduated from Memphis High School in 1951 and then enlisted in the United States Navy serving during the Korean War for two and half years before being honorably discharged. Returning home he married Carolyn R. Dittman and then later went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Business from Central Michigan University graduating in 1958. While earning his degree he also earned the ranks of fatherhood. After gradation he and his family moved to Lapeer, Michigan where he took his first job teaching and coached golf for ten years. He also worked at GM in Flint Michigan for a brief time.In 1972 he and his wife moved their family to Mancelona Michigan where he began teaching and coaching boys' basketball and baseball until his retirement in 1988. His love for sports has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.Dean was a Rotarian and always enjoyed cooking or serving at the famous Chicken BBQ during the Mancelona Bass Festival and distributing Christmas luminaries to many neighborhoods in town. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church both in Lapeer and Mancelona where he helped with maintenance, meals, and choir.Dean moved to Tucson Arizona in 2001 and married Fran Miller in 2011.In his free time, Dean liked to work on house projects, play golf (which he had 3 holes in ones) fish and boat the beautiful waters of Northern Michigan. He loved dogs and trained many bird dogs for hunting. He also enjoyed deer hunting and time spent at deer camp. In his later years he took up woodworking and jewelry making and learned to play the Indian flute. When he was not doing any of these hobbies you could find him strumming away on his guitar and singing his favorite gospel or country songs or reading an enjoyable book.Family was very important to Dean, he looked forward to annual family reunions where there was never a shortage of food, laughter, fishing, swimming, and sports.Dean is survived by his wife Carolyn Hines, and three of their children, Steve (Michelle) Hines, Sue (Rick) Duerksen, Jeff (Karen) Hines and daughter in law, Kim Hines with 12 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren with two more coming soon.He was preceded in death by his second wife, Fran Miller Hines, his parents, his son, Jim R. Hines, and his eight siblings.Arrangements are in the care of Desert Sunset Funeral Home in Tucson Arizona.At the request of Dean, there will be no public service.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.