W. Dean Howard

“The best way to ruin a cookie is to add chocolate chips,” -life advice from Dean.

Wilford Dean Howard, 89, passed away in the comfort of his Hyrum home on February 22, 2023. He was born on June 28, 1933, in Chester, Idaho, to William Alfred and Rachel Elnora Thompson Howard. He was the 12th of 13 siblings; some would have called them a bakers' dozen.

Dean had a life full of adventures and experiences: from an LDS mission to Brazil; military service in the US Army; playing football for USU; marrying the love of his life, Marilyn Stauffer; raising three kids; fishing and hunting; baking and making candy. Dean and Marilyn made their home in Hyrum.

Dean worked a long career as a welder and engineer for the aerospace industry. When Dean retired, he walked the city streets for exercise, gardened in his famous raspberry patch, made bread, and told everyone he was a well-kept man. He kept a cup of dimes from his pocket change to feed the ducks at Willow Park.

Dean loved to watch the seasons change (football, basketball, baseball, golf, etc.) He had a lifetime of community service from scouting, civic sports, city council, and the Lions Club.

Dean has always been known for his jokes. In 2005 he ran for Hyrum City Mayor, telling nearly everyone he knew that he needed the part-time income to pay for retirement. Everyone knew he was joking; he needed something to do. After serving two terms, he left the active ‘politicking’ to the friends he had made. Dean was Grand Marshall of the 2010 Hyrum 4th of July parade. He found great humor when he drove a tractor and towed his councilors in a manure spreader. “Making Hyrum Grow” was their slogan. He loved to tell the council that meetings were to be kept short, “I’ve got a roast in the oven.”

He will be remembered for his generous spirit. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Dean is survived by two children, Dirk and Kaye, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, his sister Iris Howard Hathaway, numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, daughter Kim, and eleven siblings.

In place of flowers, Dean asks that you donate to any community service organization you like. If you would like to participate in Dean’s Dimes for Ducks project, a small cup will be available at his funeral service. You are welcome to donate just a few dimes from your wallet. The ducks will appreciate your contribution. The Willow Park ducks will be fed on or around Dean’s birthday, 2023.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 4, 2023 at the Hyrum 2nd Ward Chapel, 455 East 100 South, Hyrum, Utah from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A viewing will be held prior from 10:30 to 11:30. A viewing will also be held Friday March 3, 2023 at the Hyrum 2nd Ward Chapel from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary.