McKenney, Dean E., 87, August 13, 2015. Interment held in the Patten Cemetery. Arrangements by Clay Funeral Home.
PATTEN – Dean E. McKenney, 87, passed away on August 13, 2015, at his home in Patten. He was born August 4, 1928, in Patten, the son of Wallace Sr. (Bud) McKenney and Bertha Humphrey McKenney.
Dean graduated from Patten Academy, class of 1946. He served in the Korean conflict stationed in Germany, assigned as a motor pool mechanic. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Methodist Men’s Club, and in his later years served as a University of Maine senior companion. For many years, he served as the Treasurer of the Stetson Methodist Church, and a Selectman for the Town of Mount Chase.
He married the love of his life, Frances Brown in 1963. Dean had many jobs throughout his life. He owned and operated a pulp truck where he worked with his brothers and brother-in-law Wendell in woods operations. He even tried his hand at farming, but decided quickly that it wasn’t what we wanted to do so he and Francis purchased, and operated McKenney’s Clothing store in Patten for 30 years, retiring in 1995. After retirement he quickly found he needed something to do so he worked many part time jobs including, pumping gas and working during potato harvest.
Dean journeyed to Alaska for his first trip with two friends, Dr. Daniels, and Stan Sinclair and had a six-week adventure, visiting Alaska numerous times after. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the numerous fishing trips that he took to Alaska and Labrador. He epitomized a true Mainer in his love for the outdoors and all activities that he loved to do; hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing. He also had a special friendship with Dick Engroff. They spent many days fishing in their secret spots. It was a friendship that he valued greatly. He loved to play cribbage, was a voracious reader, and enjoyed gardening. His greatest love was his family. He cherished his children and his grand-children and was so very proud of their accomplishments. He was devoted to his family and spent many hours helping them in any way that he could.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Frances Brown McKenney. He is also survived by his two daughters, Tammy McKenney Nikodem and husband, Nik, of Seattle, and Shelley McKenney Lane and husband, Keith, of Patten. In addition, he is survived by his two beloved grandchildren, Shelbe Lane Moore and her husband, Kaleb of Bradley and Cole Lane of Patten; his brother, Hadley of Garland; brother-in-law, John Brown of Patten, sister-in-law, Brenda Brown of Houlton and sisters-in-law, Lorraine McKenney of Patten, and Lela Long of Houlton. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Rhonda and Rowena Harvey of Patten and special nephew and nieces, Jim and Kristy Brown and Debbie Fitzpatrick of Houlton. Dean was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Virginia Harvey and her husband, Wendell; his brother, Wallace Jr. (Jim); in-laws, Manley and Mildred Brown; and brother-in-law, Dana Brown.
Friends called from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, August 16, at Stetson Memorial Methodist Church, Patten, where a memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Interment was in Patten Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in Dean’s memory to Stetson Memorial Methodist Church or Veterans’ Memorial Library both of Patten. Condolences may be left at www.clay funeralhome.com.
