Alan “Dean” O’Leary left this world to join his loving wife Darlene in God’s grace during the early morning hours on December 24. He died peacefully after a very courageous and lengthy battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia.
Dean was born to Hugh and Altha O’Leary on May 6th 1929 in Donna Texas. He was one of (11) children born to Hugh and Altha. Dean spent his childhood in Texas during the Great Depression. He and the large O’Leary family lived on numerous family ranches in Texas and Oklahoma moving often, picking cotton and fruit. In 1940, Dean and his family lived in a Government Migratory camp outside Donna Texas where he attended the 5th grade.
During the following years, one of Dean’s favorite places to live and work was a ranch in Muleshoe, Texas owned by his Uncle and Aunt, Woodrow and Sylvia Couch. Dean’s lifelong passion for ranching, horses and hard work took root during his time at the Couch ranch.
In March of 1945, at age 16, Dean and the large O’Leary family loaded their few family possessions and 9 children into a 1940’s model T pickup truck and headed for Montana. Dean lived and worked on several family ranches near Butte. He landed his first indoor job at the American Candy Store in Butte and began attending the Butte Business College prior to graduating from High School. In the summer of 1946 the family moved to a small house 2 miles up Clancy Creek, near Helena. Dean worked at Woolworths while attending Helena High School, determined to finish his high School education.
In 1947 he landed a position as Supply Clerk at the Montana National Guard Armory. He immediately joined the Guard and began his proud 40 year career as a Montana Army National Guardsman retiring in 1984.
Dean and his brother’s David, Francis Hugh (Tex), Avery (Red), Earl (Coconut) and Carroll Daniel (Curly) began a legendary career as boxers shortly after coming to Montana. The O’Leary brothers were known throughout the state as the “Fighting O’Leary’s.” The highlight of Dean’s boxing career came when he fought and won the battle for state championship against his big brother David.
In 1951, Dean married Beverly Gibson. Their son, Alan Dean O’Leary II (Lanny) was born in 1952. Dean and Beverly divorced shortly thereafter. In 1954 Dean met the love of his life, Darlene Haley (Graham) they married December 1, 1956. Together they raised Lanny and three additional children, Colleen, Scott and Doug.
Dean’s love of ranching and owning a ranch came true in July 1965 when he and Darlene purchased a small ranch in Austin, 15 miles west of Helena. Dean spent his entire adult life dedicated to working on the small ranch, serving as a proud member of the Montana National Guard and teaching his children the value of hard work and the joy of ranching. Dean’s legacy will live on through his four children who continue to own, preserve and work the small Montana ranch.
Dean is preceded in death by his wife Darlene, his parents, brother’s Tex, David and infant brother Darrel. Dean is survived by his children; Lanny of Helena, Colleen (Mike) McCarthy of Austin, Scott (Theresa) of Butte, and Doug of Houston. He leaves behind grandchildren and great grandchildren: Teresa (Tim) Ellis of Whitehall and their children Jeremy, Stephen and Stephanie; Sean and Kevin McCarthy; Katie; Brian, Brad and Amy O’Leary. Also surviving are his brothers Red, Coconut, and Curly O’Leary; sisters, Mary Isaacson, Jimmie (Troy) McGee, Jeannette (Dan) Mougeot, Sherry Blackhall and Esther Duthie; and very special in-laws; Lorna (Tom) Johns and Dennis (Miriam) Haley and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends between the hours of 4-6pm on Wednesday Dec 29 at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home. Cremation will follow. A celebration of Dean’s life will be held on Thursday Dec 30 at 11:00 am at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home. A portion of Dean’s remains will be interred at Forestvale Cemetery with full military honors immediately following the service. A celebration of Dean’s life will take place in Irish tradition at 7332 Austin Rd, after interment. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the Montana Military Museum, P.O. Box 125, Fort Harrison, MT 59636-0125. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Chris and Pat O'Connor says
I will miss you Uncle Dean. Going to Helena will never be the same again. Colleen, you did a wonderful job caring for your Dad. So sorry for your loss.
Delorous Anderson says
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. I’m sure he is riding horses, fixing fences and spending precious time with Darlene up in heaven. I have many fond memories of Dean while he was under my care at The Gottfried Haus.
Denise Sheehy says
I’ve spent the last few days remembering things about Uncle Dean- and the one thing that I hold in my memories- is him saddling up the Shetlands so all the cousin’s could take turns riding.
He must have had the patience of Job to put up with all of us “little cowboys”!
Colleen- you did very well- taking care of your dad this past year. Thank you for being the wonderful person you are!
Jeanette Mougeot says
Dean was a good person. We will all miss him. Rest in peace, brother.
Jen Mooney says
Dean was an amazing man. Colleen, he was so lucky to have you care for him! We will all miss him and his gentle, kind ways.
Kathy Peers says
Uncle Dean you will be missed.
Kittie and George LaFazia says
Colleen, Lanny, Scott & Doug
The “Fighting O’Leary’s” has lost one of the best. May he rest in peace together with Aunt Darlene again. Much love to you all