Alan Dean Williams

Alan “Dean” Williams was born to Howard and Wanda Williams on February 21, 1961, in Claremore, Oklahoma, and passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026. Dean is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Williams, of the home and the love of his life; his sons, Ronald Chavez (Missy) and James Dean Williams (Emery); and his five grandchildren, Addison Chavez, Leah Colbert, Kingston Williams, Shirley Chavez, and Bill Chavez. He is also survived by his sisters Melba Williams and Colleen Savageau; brother, James Williams (Carol); his mother-in-law, Clorinda Vigil; many other brothers and sisters; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Howard Williams; his Aunt Bertha Josie, who raised him; his sisters, Neta Dinardi, Patricia Williams, Peggy Williams; his niece Stephanie (Goobie) Back; and his nephew, Joshua Pascale. Dean grew up in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where he loved playing baseball and basketball and spending time with lifelong friends. He graduated from Henryetta High School in 1979 and later earned an associate degree in Construction Technology with an Applied Science degree in Heating and Air from OSU Tech. After returning to Oklahoma, Dean began working for the Muscogee Creek Nation. Although he briefly pursued other opportunities, he returned to the Muscogee Creek Nation and spent approximately 30 years serving in various roles before retiring. Dean loved sports throughout his life, especially softball. He played competitive softball for more than 20 years as a talented pitcher and hitter. He was part of five National Championship teams, five State Championship teams, and a Muscogee Creek Nation Festival Championship team seven times. He was also named to several All-Tournament Teams. Later, he found great joy in coaching his two sons and other young athletes for more than 10 years. Some of Dean’s favorite memories were made hunting and fishing with his sons. He loved being outdoors and could always tell you where to fish, what bait to use, and where to find the best hunting. In his later years, he became known for his garden, growing tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables that he generously shared with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone he thought might enjoy them. Dean also loved finding a good deal. He enjoyed garage sales and spending weekends at the flea market, where he could talk to people and make a deal. He never met a stranger and was always ready with a story, a laugh, or an opinion. Most of all, Dean loved his family. He and Liz met in 1987 while he was working in Texas, and she became the love of his life. They built a life together filled with love, memories, laughter, and family. Liz stood by Dean through all of life’s joys and challenges and was always there for him. Dean was incredibly proud of his sons, their partners, and his grandchildren, and he loved talking about them. His love extended to his siblings, extended family, Liz’s family, and the many friends he made throughout his life. Dean was someone people could depend on. He was always willing to help, whether that meant fixing something, finding something someone needed, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, or simply opening his door and saying, “Come on in.” He had a generous heart, a great sense of humor, and was never afraid to “tell it like it is.” Dean recently said he had “No Complaints” about his life. Those words capture the spirit of the man he was. He lived with humor, kindness, generosity, and a love for his family, friends, sports, the outdoors, and his community. We were blessed to know Dean, love him, and have him as a part of our lives. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. He will always be loved. Funeral service will be 10:00 am, Friday, August 14, 2026 at the Henryetta First Baptist Church. Services are under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home.

Alan Dean Williams

February 21, 1961 - August 7, 2026