Dean Wilstead

TSgt Alfred Dean Wilstead, USAF (Ret.)

Dean, as he was known to most, was born in Spring Canyon, Carbon County, Utah on June 28, 1938. By early childhood his parents, Freddie Alma Wilstead and Isabel Irene Phelps, had moved their small family of four children to Emery County to work the land and raise animals in Lawrence, Utah.

Dad had an active youth, hitching teams young enough that he would need a step stool to do so properly. Tending to animals and the chores of the farm were a daily training ground for the rest of his somewhat regimented military future, as he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force when still a teen. He has fondly spoken of the adventures of his younger years, sharing stories of wholesome activities involving his friends, although sometimes this included anecdotes of road trips with a keg of beer in the trunk.

Dad met the one and only true love of his life, Carol Ann Reid, at Veltri drugstore, in Helper, Utah effectively sweeping her off her feet, they married on March 17, 1962 solemnizing their matrimony eternally one year later in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. They were soon traveling the world as an enlisted USAF family. His first and most beautiful child was a daughter, Marti, having been delivered at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. Thereafter two sons were delivered to an air base in Torrejon de Ardoz, Spain. Steve and Desmond, born 13 months apart, brought wheezing and kindness respectively, to a loving family. Harold Lee, born at the next military stop at Langley AFB, Virginia, almost completed the package. In 1984, Carol and Dean welcomed and adopted a nephew of Carol’s, Jason Reid Balek, when he was 8 years young. He was loved and brought into our family circle as much as he would allow. This was an enormous change for ‘Jake,’ as he wasn’t accustomed to such a large family. Having another baby brother was a wonderful blessing for our family.

Dad introduced us to his co-workers through action-packed ‘squadron parties’. His work at the time was in support of a top-secret CIA-Air Force joint effort known as the Corona Program, focused on obtaining crucial cold-war satellite data and photos from our enemies. It was always exciting to hear, be around, and climb into and around the many aircraft types, especially on Base open house days, when the Thunderbirds would perform. We had many occasions to be around the aircraft out on the flight line, play little league baseball, camp and swim at Bellows beach, as well as hosting various relatives who came to visit us

on Oahu. A highlight was the 1964 Mustang convertible as well as a white Harley ‘Hog” that Dad would use to bring home fresh pineapples from the fields. It seemed that, in the memory of his children, we were a family made for tent camping and many other adventures.

In 1973, Dad’s last assignment was Hill AFB, Utah where he completed 22 ½ years of active-duty service retiring in 1978 to Lawrence, Utah. As a family we now had access to cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, new friends, a boat, guns, and dirt bikes!! Dad drove truck hauling coal to the plant, spending

many days accumulating miles on the Emery County roads. He also spent some time hauling cars around the country while accompanied by Mom.

As time always does, Dad’s mobility and energy waned to the point of needing fellow veteran fellowship and attention from expert VA caregiver Angels, and he was moved into the William E. Christofferson Veterans Home in SLC, where he was attended to and shown daily love and respect. We give our deepest gratitude to Jenny Robbins, Rim Djender, as well as all other staff members at this wonderful facility.

Dean is predeceased by one son, Jason Reid Balek Wilstead, both of his parents, Fred and Rene Wilstead, brothers Errol and David Wilstead,

as well as his beloved sister, Elizabeth Ann Olsen. Surviving him are his first wife, Carol Ann Wilstead; children, Marti (Barry) Snow of Orangeville, Steve (DeNean) Wilstead, Las Vegas, NV, Desmond (Tricia) Wilstead of Kihei, Hawaii, and Lieutenant Colonel Harold Lee (Jennifer) Wilstead, USAF (Ret.), Bountiful, Utah; Nineteen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, multiple in-laws and memorable outlaws, all of whom will miss his unique kindnesses, generous personality and sharp wit. We glory in the reunion he has enjoyed with dear loved ones who have preceded his passing through the veil.

Services and a celebration of Dean’s life will be shared on 25 October, 2025 in the Huntington 1st Ward meetinghouse located at 115 S 400 E, Huntington, Utah 84528. A viewing will be held from 9:45-10:30 AM with funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM. Dean will be laid to rest in the Lawrence Utah cemetery. All are invited. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fausett Mortuaries where family and friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.fausettmortuary.com.