Dean Paul Wellman, 78, of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at Mercy Hospital of Defiance.

He was born on October 23, 1937 to Dwight and Ermith (Eakins) Wellman in Defiance. Dean graduated from Defiance High School and Defiance College. On July 11, 1964 he married Eva "Evie" (Miller) Wellman, who resides in Defiance. Dean did his graduate work at Indiana University and received his Master's Degree from St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Dean taught history at Payne School for ten years, served as President of the Payne Education Association and the Paulding County Teachers Association. In 1969 he went to Four County Vocational School as a history teacher in the new facility. He served as President of the Four County Education Association and also taught Adult Education. He retired in 1990, having worked twenty-one years there, nineteen as the Dean of Student Affairs.

Dean was active in his community serving as Clerk and Zoning Inspector of Tiffin Township for 22 years, Secretary of the Defiance County Township Association, a board member for 35 years of the Defiance County Fair, served on the Defiance County Juvenile Judge's Advisory Board, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, past President of the Defiance County Kidney Foundation, and Secretary of the Defiance County Republican Party.

Dean also holds memberships in Phi Delta Kappa, United Commercial Travelers, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, and the Benevolent Order of Elks, which he is past Exalted Ruler, past District Chairman, and past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. Dean is a member of Omega Lodge #564 F.A.M., 32nd Degree Mason, and member of the Maumee Valley Scottish Rite, and the Zenobia Shrine.

Dean is survived by his loving spouse of 51 years, wife Evie Wellman of Defiance, daughters Stephanie Costa of Columbus, Ohio and Nicole (Darrin) Phenix of Greensboro, Georgia, grandchildren, Andrew Costa, Ethan Costa, Devin Phenix, and Dylan Phenix, siblings Jane (Bernard) Shock of Defiance, Jean (Duane) Messner of Gunnison, Colorado and, Jan (Faith) Wellman of Cottage Grove, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Ermith Wellman.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 2, 2016, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 3, 2016 at the funeral home, with Father John Stites officiating. Burial will follow at Evansport Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Defiance Library Crown Jewel Renovation Project. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.