John Paxton Dean

DAPHNE, AL John Paxton Dean of Daphne, Ala., born Dec. 1, 1989, died Friday morning, Sept. 30, 2011, at the age of 21, less than a week after a diagnosis of cancer. John was very much loved and we are so proud of him. He loved his family, he loved his church, he loved his Taekwondo family and his friends, and he was such a sweet, caring, hard-working and amazing young man. We thank God for the gift of John in our lives. John was assistant director of youth ministries for the past two years at Providence United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort, Ala. A card from a youth member said, "You have touched me and brought me closer to God because I saw how much you loved Him, and that brought me closer to God." John had just completed a Walk to Emmaus, Servant Heart Walk #25, Table of Mark. A church leader wrote to John, "You don’t belong in the ‘church folk’ category – those frequently at the church but without much of the church in them. Instead, you are in the much smaller group called Christians – who do the right things even when no one is looking – and don’t feel the need to tell anyone." As a member of Boy Scout Troop 177 in Spanish Fort, Ala., John was among a select few in the nation who completed the Triple Crown of Boy Scout High Adventure Camps – Philmont, Northern Tier and Sea Base. He achieved the rank of Star Scout and served as assistant senior patrol leader and troop guide. He swam competitively for BMAC for four years, earning medals at swim meets, especially for the breast stroke. A 2008 graduate of Daphne High School, he was a member of the marching band, playing baritone in The Sound of the Eastern Shore. In 2010 he graduated from Enterprise State Community College Alabama Aviation Center in Mobile with associate degrees in applied science in airframe and powerplant technology, and holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license. As he pursued a career in the aviation field, he continued his longtime employment at Zaxby’s in Daphne, where he had many friends and was recognized by his employer for his loyalty, honesty, strong work ethic, intelligence and reliability. A passion in his life was Taekwondo. John started training at Eastern Shore Taekwondo Center in Daphne at the age of 5. He attained the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and served as Instructor of United States Taekwondo Association, Certified Tournament Referee and Regional Judge, Assistant Director for youth and adult classes, and Certified Instructor for weapons training. He was a national level competitor in both Taekwondo and Weapons. Recent accomplishments included U.S. Taekwondo Training Camps: Winter Training Camp -- Instructor; U.S. Taekwondo Competitions: Spring Festival -- Medalist, Summer Nationals- Medalist; and International Competition: U.S. Open: Orlando, Fla. -- Weapons Finalist. John is survived by his parents, Chuck and Kathy Dean of Daphne, Ala.; sister Megan Dean Desko, brother-in-law Andrew Desko and niece Sarah Grace, to whom he was "Uncle Awesome," all of Wake Forest, N.C.; grandparents John and Frances Paxton of Powder Springs, Ga.; grandparents Joline Dean and the late John W. Dean of Stapleton, Ala.; aunts and uncles Mindy and Mike Mets of Aiken, S.C., and Mitch and Jill Paxton of Dallas, Ga.; and cousins Joey and Steven Mets, and Nicholas, Olivia and Colin Paxton. Visitation will be held Monday, Oct. 3, from 6-8 p.m. at Providence United Methodist Church, 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Dr., Spanish Fort, Ala. Services will be Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. at Providence UMC with the Rev. Bob Sweet officiating and best friend Thom Dumas, director of youth ministries, delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow at Stapleton Cemetery. Pallbearers include John Kim, Nick Logiotatos, Kristina Trott, Wes Coker, Alison Bolton, Megan Long, Seth Read, Ethan Desko and Reid Hardyman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John’s memory be made to Providence United Methodist Church. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC 27409 US HWY 98 DAPHNE, AL 36526