Dean Edward Dellinger (84), passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, in Wichita, Kansas. H e was born in Bucyrus, Ks to Marie Helen (Byerley) & Charles Ashba Dellinger.

He grew up in Bucyrus and graduated from Louisburg High School. He attended Emporia State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in music education.  Following graduation in 1960, he was hired by the Valley Center School District and began his 35-year career.  Dean met Judith Ann Brown at a Methodist Church conference in Pittsburg, Kansas.  They courted and were married June 18, 1961.  To their union, two daughters were born.

Dean and Judy made Valley Center their home for over 60 years. They believed in being involved in the community. Dean served his community with his whole heart. He was choir director of the First United Methodist Church for 50 years, served as President of the Historical Society, was a founder and director of the Valley Players, and was Chairman of the Valley Center Centennial Committee. Dean was a part of the development of the Annual Fall Festival Celebration. In the festivals 59-year history, he attended all but one, in person, and enjoyed viewing last year's parade via facetime. Dean was a 54-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a 41-year member of Eastern Star. He served as a Rainbow Dad for several of the girls in the IORG, Worthy Patron of Valley Center Chapter #237, OES several times, and was honored to serve the Grand Chapter of Kansas with several committee appointments and as Grand Marshal.

During his teaching career, Dean started the Pop Choir that performed all over Kansas and in Dallas, Texas. He directed many musicals, sponsored the Drill Team, National Honor Society, and Senior Class, and had the opportunity to make 18 trips to Europe taking high school students to study the history, culture, and the arts of the various countries they visited. Following his retirement, he continued to support the VC Alumni Association by directing the Alma Mater at the annual banquet.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, sister Vivian, brothers Charles and Carl, and wife Judith.

Dean is survived by daughters Jolene (Jonathan) Maltz and Kim Dellinger, grandsons Cameron and Braden Maltz, sister Margret "Peggy" Haynes, and several nieces, nephews and cousins, other family and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday, August 12, and Services will be at 10 am on Saturday, August 13, both held at the First United Methodist Church, 560 N. Park, Valley Center, Kansas.  Graveside will follow at the Valley Center Cemetery, Valley Center, Kansas.

LIVESTREAM -  https://youtu.be/9vW716Mlyd0

In lieu of flowers, Memorials to: Valley Players 'Mr. D. Fine Arts Scholarship' in care of Barb Koster  221 Poplar Ct., Valley Center, KS 67147

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com