Dean Austin South
9/7/42 – 12/6/22
On December 6th surrounded by family, Dean passed away from complications from diabetes. Dean was born to Lee and Orla South on September 7th, 1942 in American Fork, Utah. A few years later the family moved to Dillon, Montana where he spent most of his school years. His senior year the family moved again to Darby, Montana, where Dean met the love of his life Donna Dodge. They married on June 19th, 1960. In 1965, he took a job as a propane delivery driver in Dillon for Petrolane. He quickly moved up in the company requiring the family to relocate to 7 different locations across the West over the next 14 years. During this journey they had three children, Daryl came in 1961, Sheryl arrived in 1962, and Gary came along in 1964. In 1981, after tiring of the constant relocation he formed Northern Energy Propane which acquired Helena and Deer Lodge Propane. It was time to move back home to Montana. Over the next 8 years under his leadership Northern Energy grew to a national propane company, operating in 13 states with over 80 locations. After the sale of the company in 1989, he returned to his first love buying a ranch in the Helena Valley. He especially loved to flood irrigate and would look forward to going out every morning and night with his two border collies to change his water. He continued to farm and ranch until his health would not allow him to do it any longer. During this time his entrepreneurial spirit would not leave him. He purchased a convenient store on York Road which became South’s Country Store. Dean was also the driving force in the development and construction of a large propane terminal located behind Wal-Mart in Helena. He was also very proud of his time on the State Board of Directors of Energy Share of Montana and for Energy West of Great Falls. With work being his driving force, he never had time to develop in hobbies but one thing that brought true joy to his heart was to follow and attend all his children and grandchildren’s different sporting events.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Orla South and sister Sandra Whitehead. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Donna South. Children Daryl (Bridgette) South his children Tancy (Cody) McDaniel of Townsend, Michelle (Jeremy) Redfern, Sarah South, Brianne (Michael) Whitehouse, all of Helena. Sheryl (Brooke) Gillespie and their child Kaycee (Nick) Ransom of Helena. Gary South his children Taylor South of Ashville, North Carolina and Chase South of Bozeman. Sisters Connie Davis of Great Falls, Dixie (Bill) Cottom of Dillon, and Brother Dennis (Evelynn) South of Albuquerque New Mexico and six great grandchildren. He will be missed by many, at his request there will no service.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
Sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. He was a great person our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now, and in the days ahead. 💔
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
Sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. He was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now, and in the days ahead. 💔
Sharlene and Keith Stav says
Dear South Family,
We want you to know that we’re thinking of you. Dean and Donna were some of our first clients and were so supportive. You could not have asked for nicer people. We know that you will miss this wonderful man.
With heavy hearts,
Keith and Sharlene Stav
Judy Trevor says
I never knew you Dean and Donna, but I frequently stopped to fill my car with gas on my way into town. My husband mentioned that he appreciated putting air in his truck tires and our son stopped at your place to pick up beer. Thanks to both of you for your service.
Jackie Lloyd says
I’m so sorry for the loss of a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jackie Lloyd
Teresa Songer says
Donna I’m so sorry, I really loved waiting on you and Dean at Jorgenson’s. He was one of my favorite customers.
Love Terri
Rick OConnell says
Donna and family. I was saddened to hear of Dean’s passing. We lost a good friend. I’ll miss his business insight and quick wit. It’s not something you get over but it’s something you get through. My thoughts are with you.
Rick O
Kathy Rose Carrette says
I met Mr. South when I took out part of his ranch fencing right after getting my driver’s license when I was 15. He was so kind and I still remember him assuring me that my parents weren’t going to kill me! For years after, when I’d see him and his wife they’d gently tease me about my driving skills.
He was a truly wonderful man and someone I always looked up to. I’m so thankful I got to know him.
Wendy & Tal Williams says
Donna and family,
It was with heavy heart reading that Dean has left this world. He did custom haying for us many years and was always very good to us. The world was a better place with men like Dean in it.
Cecil and Lynn Taylor says
Donna and family, we were so sorry to hear about Deans passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
Lynn and Cecil Taylor
Lance Taylor says
To the South family, so sorry for your loss with Deans passing. Donna you are in both of our thoughts and prayers..
Lance and Jeaniece Taylor