Willis Dean McLaughlin passed away February 4th, 2026, at his home in Delta Colorado after a battle with cancer. He was 84 years old.

Dean was born on August 17th, 1941, in Delta, Colorado to Evelyn Mills and Harry McLaughlin. He grew up in Olathe, Colorado and graduated from Olathe High School in 1959.

After graduating Dean worked at the Olathe Coop and other odd jobs. Wanting to try something new, Dean thought becoming a barber was something he would like to do. It was at this point Dean started dating a lifelong acquaintance, Glenda Lee Braddy of Delta. They would fall in love and after four short months, they would move to Denver in the Spring of 1963 so Dean could go to barber school. Dean figured out fast that it was not for him, he dropped out and went to work as a machinist for Gates Rubber company.

In the fall of 1963 Dean and Glenda were married. They celebrated 62 years on October 20th, 2025. The couple lived in Northglenn and Lakewood Colorado, raising three children: Rhonda, Ingrid and Cameron. After 30 years on the eastern slope, Dean retired from Gates and told Glenda, “Its time to go home!” They moved back to the Western Slope in August of 1993. They lived in Montrose, Austin, Mack and finally stopped in Delta where it all began.

Dean loved being outdoors playing golf, fishing or watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Dean was a lefty first baseman in high school and his love for baseball never stopped. You would not find a bigger Denver Bronco fan than Dean, watching a game with him was always a wonderful experience. He was a true fan in every sense of the word especially when it came to watching his kids and grandchildren! He enjoyed playing cards and games, but his favorite was playing aggravation for hours with friends and family. His gestures and laughter made every game fun and enjoyable. The louder it was the more fun it was for all.

Dean is survived by his wife Glenda, his daughters Rhonda Kochevar of Rifle, Colorado, and Ingrid Carlson, husband Kevin of Delta, son Cameron McLaughlin, wife Misty, of Spring Hill, Tennessee; grandchildren KC Dean Carlson (wife Kristen), Mika, Noah, and Jacob McLaughlin, Samone, Andrew, Addrianna, and Cyndall Bryant, and five great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 1:00pm, Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta, Colorado.