Virgil H. Dean Jr.

Sunrise: August 21, 1945        Sunset: July 14, 2026

Virgil H. Dean, Jr. was born on August 21, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Catherine Walls and Virgil H. Dean, Sr.

Virgil was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where he attended Beal Elementary School and Englewood High School and proudly participated in ROTC. He accepted Christ at an early age and carried his faith throughout his life.

Virgil built a career defined by commitment, reliability, and service. He served as Head of Maintenance at the Newberry Library, where his skills and strong work ethic were highly valued. He later worked as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), safely transporting countless passengers throughout the city. Never one to shy away from hard work, Virgil continued his career as an over-the-road truck driver, traveling the country and embracing the freedom of the open road. He later drove for Chicago Beverage Systems and the United States Postal Service, retiring after many years of dedicated and faithful service.

In 1999, Virgil met Anita, the love of his life. Their bond grew into a beautiful and lasting marriage, and together they shared 27 years filled with love, partnership, laughter, and devotion. Through their union, they built a loving family and created a home rooted in faith, strength, and togetherness. They helped raise and nurture children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving each generation with cherished memories, family values, and the lasting example of their love. Anita remained by his side as his beloved wife, companion, and soulmate, and their enduring love was one of life's greatest blessings.

Virgil was a loving and devoted family man who would do anything for those he loved. He expressed his love through his actions, always willing to help, repair, build, or create whatever was needed. Gifted with his hands, he had a special talent for fixing things and a lifelong passion for automobiles. Whether he was repairing cars, admiring them, or sharing stories about them, his enthusiasm was evident to all who knew him.

Known as the king of corny Dad jokes, Virgil could bring laughter into any room with his quick wit and playful spirit. He loved road trips and the memories created along the way. A certified grill master in the eyes of his family and friends, he delighted in bringing people together over good food, great stories, and plenty of laughter.

Virgil leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Anita Dean; his sister, Carol Bryant; his children, Rhonda Dean Washington, Virgil H. Dean III, Rodney H. Dean, and Michael Stackhouse (Whitney); his grandchildren, Joshua, Matthew, Mariah, Susan, Frederick, Anfernee, Lily, Tashia, Kendra (David), Lamonica (Theresa), William (Kami), Deranesha, Janiyla, Mason, Myles, Malia, Michael J. (Kayla), and Mikayla; seventeen great-grandchildren; his beloved pet dog, NeNe, who brought him comfort, companionship, and joy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Walls and Virgil H. Dean, Sr.; his sisters, Jean C. Ford and Janice Jennings and his daughters, Lennette Stackhouse and Latricia Stackhouse.

Though he will be deeply missed, Virgil's legacy of love, laughter, faith, strength, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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