Let us celebrate the life of Virgil Dean Nowlin. On October 26, 2020 he was ushered into his heavenly reward to be reunited with his loving wife, Marie Forrest Nowlin.

Born March 5, 1930 in Comanche County to Virgil Dauntless Nowlin and Bonnie Nora Frank Nowlin he was the fourth child in a mix of wild and wooly siblings consisting of one sister and four brothers. His carefree nature was tamed when he became infatuated with the calm, serene beauty of Alva Marie Forrest. Their first date was to a brush arbor revival held at Rock Bluff Baptist Church and his promise to her to mend his ways, to be faithful to her and Christ was kept for the rest of his life.

The newlyweds relocated to Houston, Texas in 1949 where Dean took various jobs, sometimes more than one at a time to support his new family. Following a successful career in the growing Electronics Industry in Houston, Dean and Marie moved back to Comanche County in the late 1970s. Never one to sit idle, he worked at times for Wolfe Pecan and Durham Farms.

However, during this time the work he loved best was that of serving his Lord, Church and Community. Dean seriously accepted his responsibilities as a Deacon in each Baptist Church in which he was a member during his life, the last being First Baptist De Leon.  Perhaps his favorite and most committed service was visiting those in De Leon unable to make it to church. He found joy in seeing that their needs were met and that they had access to his church's weekly sermons. He was a regular and constant visitor to those in the De Leon Nursing Home. When his health compromised his ability to continue this labor of love, he was more upset over being unable to serve than in his own infirmities.

Dean never permitted himself to be a stranger to anyone. Once met, he became not someone unknown but more like a friend that one had just not seen in a great while. Then it was time to share his stories. He could not resist sharing his tales to any who would listen. Those privileged to hear them will attest that if you did not catch all of one on the first telling there would be ample chances to hear a retelling at some other date.

Dean was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie, in 2015 and leaves behind his daughter, devoted care-giver and companion, Patricia Bacon, son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Jan Nowlin, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Those of us who knew and loved him mourn his passing but find solace in his life and legacy.

In honor of his wishes and with respect for covid virus precautions, no earthly services will be held.  No doubt, he is rejoicing in a Heavenly reunion.