Dean Stair, 79, of Wooster died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare.
He was born June 5, 1945 in Wooster to Zoid and June Mosher Stair. On September 2, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, best friend and love of his life, Jane Hignight. She preceded him in death in 2024.
Dean had worked in sales at Smith’s Dairy for over 25 years before retiring in 2007. He was a member of Grace Church and had previously been a member and life elder at First Church of God. Dean served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He enjoyed yard work, volunteering at church and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his daughters Deanna Lamb of Orrville, Teri (Mike) Kerrigan) of Westerville and Tracey (Matt Dixon) of Pataskala; grandchildren Emily (JD) Robertson, Drew (Madison) Dixon, Jacob (Reagan) Dixon, Ryan Kerrigan, Brady Kerrigan, Allison Lamb and Alex Lamb; great grandchildren Riley, Mattilyn and Wren; sister Mabel (Loren) Kirchner of Wooster.
Along with his wife, Dean was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Grace Church, 4599 Burbank Rd., Wooster. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville.
Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday at the church.
Contributions may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to The James, c/o The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210 or https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/310921.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
To all the family members, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of you loved one. All of you are in our prayers and that God will wrap his arms around you and give you the peace and comfort that only he can give at this most difficult time. Dean was a very special person in so many ways.
I was privileged to go to St Mary’s Grade School with Janie Hignight and to later work (1963-1969) with Dean at the Smith Grocery. I believed their marriage was a match made in Heaven as both were among the most caring, thoughtful and kind individuals I met during my early life. Fifty-six years later I feel the same. God bless Dean and Janie’s families. They are reunited in Heaven.
Dean and your Mom were friends and my classmates, I was sorry to see of his passing. Once again, they are forever together. Rest in peace Dean. My sincere condolences to his family
Dean and Janie were long time friends of ours. We are saddened by his passing, but know he is reunited with Janie and both are living the life they were intended to live. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Our extended sympathy to the entire Stair family in the passing of Dean. The magnificent joy in sharing of the friendship throughout the many years, was a wonderful blessing. Dean was such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to his family and we trust those endearing memories shared in these great years will bring hope and peace in the days ahead. May God shower each one of you with His May blessings.
In His precious name.
Emerson and Bonnie Stull
I am saddened to hear of Dean’s passing, but I’m comforted to know that he is with Jane again. It was obvious that they were truly meant to always be together, and I was truly blessed to have the privilege to work with both of them and be friends for many years. May the thought that they will always be looking down upon you comfort you all.
Deanna, Teri, Tracey and family – you are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers as you send your dad home to be with your mom. May God bless and keep you in His care. Tina, Micky and family 🙏🏻✝️
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dean is now with Jane in heaven
I am very sorry to learn of Dean’s passing. I met Dean on the very first day of first grade at Wooster Township School, and we went through all of grade school and high school together. He was always the nicest guy, a steady rock. While we’ve been out of touch recently, earlier I was touched by the evident love between him and Janie that I saw from Facebook entries. My sincere condolences to their family and friends.
Heaven is getting a wonderful wonderful man! Dean was a supervisor for Quick chek back in the day and a great one! My sincere condolences to his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mabel June you and Dean and your parents were like family to my sister and brother in law, Bill and Margaret Leitch. We all had much love and respect for your family.
God has received one more of his flock into his waiting arms. May Christ’s peace be with you. Jeanette Tennant
To the family of Dean and Jane. We got to know them as members of the Common Ground ABF at Grace church. Such very special people. What a shining example of a wonderful married couple and they loved all of you very dearly. Cherish the memories. They left you a special legacy. Praying God gives you peace and comfort during this time of sadness, knowing they loved the Lord