DEFIANCE, OHIO – Heaven gained another carpenter, Dean Flory, age 91, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 20, 1935, to the late Sie and Mary (Heilman) Flory in their family home in Jewell, OH. He was a proud 1953 Jewell Alumni. Even though he was short in stature, he was a wonderful basketball player and enjoyed baseball. Besides school sports he participated in the thrill of racing. He frequented the local area racetracks in his midget cars.

Dean was a very skilled carpenter. He worked for various contractors, including Schroeder Builders until he and his brother, Ron, took a leap of faith and started Flory Brothers Builders. Because of all his carpentry jobs, he didn’t know a stranger and many of his clients became long-time friends. His ability to create custom furniture and cabinets was unmatched. He was still building and remodeling long after “retiring”. His last big job was in 2020 at the age of 85.

Dean was also a true example of a Godly man. He physically built and helped start Faith Tabernacle Church in 1966. He later started attending Free Christian Church, where his carpentry skills literally touched every room. He participated in several areas of ministry over the years.

Even though Alzheimer’s had affected his body and mind over the last couple of years, he never forgot how to pray beautiful prayers. He was a wonderful Christian example to his kids and grandkids. He was known for his outgoing personality, always smiling, his quick steps, his requests to have his back scratched, and his pranks. He often dressed in disguise to entertain friends and family.

In 1956, Dean married Martha (Nally) and had 2 daughters, Robin Flory and Marsha (John) Yeutter. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his first wife Martha, his daughter, Robin; and his brother Jerry Flory.

Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Bonnie (Adams) Flory. He gained 3 stepdaughters, Amy (Tom) Coleman of Fort Wayne, IN, Molly (Joel) Moening of Defiance, OH, and Toni (Dan) Pelc of Kalamazoo, MI.

Also surviving are Marsha and John’s children, John (Stacy) Yeutter and their children, Ryan, Mackenzie, and Madalyn; Ashlee (Geoff) Burns and their children, Leah and Garrett. Amy’s Children, Brittany (Jordan) Westrick and their son, Wyatt; and Justin (Sarah) Barnett and their children, Hudson and Rory. Molly and Joel’s children, Drake and London (Ryan Amann). And Toni and Dan’s son, Sullivan. Also survived by his sister, Joann Fox of Wolverine Lake, MI; his brothers, Ronnie Flory Seneca, SC, and Richie (Carrie) Flory of Downers Grove, IL; and countless nieces and nephews and many Beloved friends and church family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Free Christian Church, 20799 OH-15, Continental, OH 45831. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11AM, at the church, with Pastor Jimmy Fry officiating.

Family will begin receiving friends on Friday at 10AM. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, OH. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Thursday, between 2:00 and 4:00PM. Memorial donations, in Dean’s honor, may be made to the church or to CHP Hospice, 6817 N., OH-66, Defiance, OH 43512. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. For additional information and to view Dean’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

Share on Facebook