Dean Hancock

Lester Dean Hancock-beloved follower of God-passed away on July 25, 2024, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Dean will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, as well as a respected businessman, loyal friend and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Dean was born on October 2, 1935, in Shidler, Oklahoma, the ninth of 10 children. After a childhood move to East Texas, Dean grew up in Wright City, Texas. While attending high school, he was introduced by a mutual friend to a spunky little gal named, Barbara York. Barbara became the love of his life. They were married at 20 and began their 68-year journey as life-long partners in marriage, ministry and business.

After attending Kilgore Junior College, where he was the drum major, Dean graduated from North Texas University with a degree in business. He then began his career as a successful businessman and entrepreneur, founding Hancock Industries and AgVantage Farm & Ranch stores.

Dean was extremely hardworking, and in addition to his business endeavors, he bought and ran his beloved Dee Bar H Angus Ranch, where he relished his time on the tractor and tending to his Angus cattle. Over the years, he also served as:

•President of the Texas Angus Association

•BISD school board member for 12 years.

•Texas Commerce Bank board member

•Deacon at North Richland Hills Baptist Church

•Advisory Council for Southwestern Theological Seminary

Although all this was important to him, Dean's primary focus was on loving and serving his Savior. He and Barbara were always quick to witness to others, with both words and deeds, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to many. Their lives exemplified Christian care, hospitality, and investment in people, especially those in ministry. Dean's life was characterized by a deep hunger for God's Word, spending much of his time reading, studying, learning and teaching. His generosity, gentleness and care are unmatched.

Dean also shared the gospel and served the Lord as a board member of Charles Stanley's In Touch Ministries. He and Barbara went on several In Touch cruises, joyfully managing the book sales for this ministry.

Perhaps his greatest investment was in his family - sharing his great love of Southern Gospel Music, taking them on many trips and cruises, always spoiling us with his love. Wherever he was, whatever he did, Dean carried the love of God to all those who knew him.

The family is so thankful for the tender care and love that Ginny and the Anchor of Hope team gave Dean is his last days. As well, the entire staff at Grand Brook Memory Care in Grapevine, Texas loved on, laughed with, and nurtured both Dean and Barbara over the last two years.

Dean is survived by sons Cary Hancock and Kelly Hancock and wife, Robin; daughter, Pattilinn Priest and husband, Cory, as well as 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cross Church parlor renovation fund online at https://onrealm.org/nrhbc/-/form/give/hancock or by check to Cross Church, 6955 Blvd 26, N. Richland Hills, Texas 76180

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 at 1:00p.m. at Cross Church, North Richland Hills - 6955 Blvd 26, North Richland Hills, Texas. Family visitation will be held following the service. To view services via live stream please go to https://www.facebook.com/melinda.beall.5