Dean A. Armstrong (1957, #898), Neil’s younger brother and fellow Phi Delt, passed away on May 23, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Marion, Kansas at the age of 85. Dean was instrumental in the founding of the Phi Lodge’s “Neil A. Armstrong Library” and donated many items about Neil for all of Indiana Theta’s brothers to enjoy. Dean, along with Russ Wurster (1957, #886), dedicated the “Neil A. Armstrong Library” in 2018 at the Founder’s Day Dinner and later celebrated for several hours at Harry’s after dinner. He last got together with his fraternity brothers last November when he donated more items and historical newspapers to the Library. He especially wanted to present the “World Championship of Farting” record album to Russ Wurster at the dinner. His brother, Neil, won the album/trophy, on the aircraft carrier “Essex” on his way home from the Korean war. It is now on display in the Armstrong Library.
Dean’s life began on Feb. 22, 1935 in Jefferson, OH. He was the son of Stephen K. and Viola L. (Engel) Armstrong. He was a 1953 graduate of Blume High School in Wapakoneta. Dean also served his country in the United States Army. Dean earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard University School of Business. Dean had been employed by General Motors in Anderson, Ind. as the plant manager before moving to El Dorado, Kan. with his wife Marilyn and his family in 1978. Dean joined his second cousin Richard Teichgraber as owner of International Petroleum Services. After selling his share of International Petroleum Services, Dean purchased the Florence State Bank where he served as President and owner. Dean owned several Florence businesses, including Inlow Foam, Marion Insurance Company, Florence Funeral Home and a restaurant. He married a second time to Kathryn Park in September of 1988 in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Dean moved to Marion, Kan. in 2003 and was an avid golfer at Marion Country Club. He was very involved in the Florence Chamber of Commerce and was a Phi Delta Theta brother at Purdue University. Dean was especially instrumental in helping to encourage and develop business in Marion County. He was a trusted advisor and friend to many in the region and around the world. Dean’s greatest joy was his family, which includes his wife Kate of Marion, Kan.; children Ann (Tim) Heide of Austin, Texas and Ellen (Mike) Egan of El Dorado, Kan.; stepchildren Rhonda (Eldon) Hett of Marion, Kan., Bret (Randi) O’Dell of Peabody, Kan. and Brenda (William) Clouse of Smithville, Mo.; grandchildren John Egan, Jaymie (Jesse) Adams, Ashton Heide and Olivia Heide; step-grandchildren Jerod (Natalie) and Justin (Brea) Hett, and Shawna (Albert) Johnson; step-grandchildren Megan (Joel) Thomas, Alysha (Alex) Haines, Kellan and Keaton Clouse.; great-grandchildren Easton, Nina and Ian Hett, Lilly, Otis and Gus Hett, Caleigh and Carlynn Johnson, Rylee and Clayton Thomas, Alysha (Alex) Haines, and Tessa and Rhett Haines; his sister, June (Dr. Jack Hoffman, M.D.) Hoffman of Phoenix, Ariz. and Wapakoneta; and nieces and nephews Jayne Hoffman, Jeffrey Hoffman, John Hoffman, Jacalyn Hoffman, Jodi Hoffman, Jenifer Hoffman, Jason Hoffman, Eric Armstrong and Mark Armstrong.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sons Neil A. and Jay Armstrong; brother Neil Alden Armstrong; and niece Karen Armstrong.
In accordance with Dean’s wishes, there will be no public services.
