Dean Kendall Kersh

Dean Kersh, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away on July 4th, surrounded by loved ones.

Dean was born on June 3, 1939 to Elroy and Merle Kersh. He was the proud oldest brother of five boys. He attended Hallettsville High School where he spent most of his time participating in various sports; he famously scored 67 points in a single basketball game. When his family moved to Sheridan, Dean would hitchhike back and forth to school so he could play football and graduate from Hallettsville.

After high school graduation, he moved to Houston and worked as a Carnation Milk Man. Dean married the love of his life, Bonnye Raye Whitley, on December 19th 1959.  Dean was a one-of-a-kind man who was never afraid to take a chance. He moved them to Angleton, where Dean ran a service station. They later settled in Brazoria and opened Dean O’s Restaurant. He never passed up an opportunity that could possibly make him a dollar. Over the years, they started a variety of businesses including service stations, a moonwalk rental company, a portable roller-skating rink, a sign company, car washes, Wag-A-Bag convenience stores, Mr. K’s pool hall, fruit stands, car and trailer sales, an inspection station, and many more. If there was a way to turn an idea into a profitable business, Dean would find it. He was infamously known to dream up an idea in the middle of the night and purchase it by morning. He always kept his secretary, Bonnye, on her toes of what they would invest in next.

After putting in countless hours of work during the week, Dean and Bonnye spent their weekends taking their three daughters to junior rodeos across Texas. He didn’t believe in entering for fun- his girls always rode the best of the best horses. Though he loved competition, the memories they made at rodeos as a family was significant to him. Outside of work and businesses, Dean had a passion for collecting classic cars, fishing with friends, and raising pigeons.

In his later years, Dean had a deep love for his land and cattle. He spent countless hours riding around his pastures and checking the cattle. He was known to be stranded a time or two for driving out in high water to make sure they were fed. Dean was known as PawPaw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed keeping up with them by attending football games, rodeos, dance recitals, and soccer games. Even as they grew up, he never missed an opportunity to talk to them on the phone about college, work, and how the weather was.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bonnye. His parents Elroy and Merle Kersh and brother Harvey Kersh.

Dean is survived by his three daughters, Kathy Kersh, Kim Graf and her husband Phillip, and Kendra Aucoin and her husband Wade; his six grandchildren Valerie Gammon (Matt), Kendall Kersh (Christen), Lance Graf, Kelsey Graf, Maci Zaragoza (Jose), Tori Aucoin; and his five great-grandchildren. DeanO, as many knew him, leaves behind a legacy that will be passed down for generations to come.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Tuesday July 8th from 5 to 7 PM at C.T. Baker Funeral Home 634 S. Columbia Dr., West Columbia. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday July 9th at 11 AM at Geiger Cemetery Sublime, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Brazoria in Deans honor.