Dean Arnold (Fullinwider) Fullinwider

Dean Arnold Fullinwider, 88, passed away on December 12, 2020 in Lubbock. A graveside service will be beheld on Monday, December 21, 2020 in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene at 2:00pm, directed by Fry~Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola.

Dean was born on April 10, 1932 in Salida, Co to Guy and Frances (Merten) Fullinwider. He was the youngest of two sons. Dean graduated from Midlland high school in Los Olivos, Ca. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1953.

He served on the B-47 and later the B-52, he rose the rank of Lieutenant and then received a spot promotion to Major because of unparallel navigation and bombing skills. He was highly decorated and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He retired as a Major in the Air Force in 1972 from Dyes Air Force Base.

He owned and operated the Exxon Station on Buffalo Gap Road and the Winters Freeway, Deans Dirt Construction Company, the Teaspoon Ranch and Ostrich Farm and spent five years working for the Texas Department of Corrections as a corrections officer.

Dean was a member of the Buffalo Gap Church of Christ and was a Mason, earning the highest honor, The Golden Trowel award.

He is survived by his son Dean Fullinwider, Jr. and wife Lucy of Buffalo Gap; daughter, Christine Lewis of Lubbock, grandchildren, Krystal Harlow and husband David, Keith Lewis and wife Beth, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Fullinwider, brothers, Jimmy and Julius, sister Lulla Bell Beeman.