Oliver Thomas Dean, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026 in the Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home for Oliver Thomas “Tommy” Dean, Jr., 79, who passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Father Brian Taylor, Pastor at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, will officiate the ceremony and conduct graveside services. Interment will take place in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation hours will be observed at the funeral home on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.

Tommy is survived by his son, Oliver Thomas Dean, III and his wife Jodi of Lafayette; one sister, Melanie Perez and her husband Steve of New Orleans; one brother, Henry “Billy” Dean and his wife Janice of New Orleans; three grandchildren, Oliver Joseph Dean, Charlotte Dean, and Emmett Dean; and his former spouse, Bernice Dean.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elodie “Louise” and Oliver Thomas Dean, Sr.; and one sister, Deborah Dautrieve.

Tommy is a Veteran of the United States Army, and served in the Vietnam War. He served with Troop A, 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment for the 2nd Armored Division at Ft. Hood, Texas before working as a Police Officer for the NOPD Bridge Police and the Lafayette Sherrif’s Department.

During his time in the Army, he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a man of exceptional character, whose deep respect and gratitude for Veterans and military personnel were evident in the way he honored, befriended, and mentored them. He went beyond simply recognizing their service; he built meaningful relationships, offered guidance and friendship, and made sure those who served our country knew they were valued, respected, and never forgotten.

In his free time, Tommy enjoyed staying connected with former law enforcement friends, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Dean, Oliver Dean, Peter Rhodes, Kevin Breaux, Creig Shute, and De’Andre Lumpkin. Honorary Pallbearer is Emmett Dean.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all of his primary care physicians and the ICU at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

Walters Funeral Home, (337) 706-8941, is in charge of funeral arrangements.