Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Wrapped in loving arms, Dean Turner Sallee went to dwell eternally in his “Secret Place of the Most High” with his Lord and Savior on November 9, 2013. A deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Dean would have turned 61 just four days later on November 13th; a birthday that he shared with Cindy, his wife of 29 years. 


Although grateful to God for Dean’s release from the struggle of a difficult battle with lung cancer, his passing, which is surely heaven’s most precious gain, has left a deep void in the hearts of so very many. Most especially his family that he greatly loved and cherished including his wife: Cindy Sallee, their three daughters: Tanya Bronson, Patricia King, and Amanda Denison, his son: JonDerek Sallee and 5 grandchildren: Austin Bronson, CJ Bronson, Delphine Sallee, Jerome Cehpus III, and Elena Blair Denison; two sisters: Barbara Tarazon of Albuquerque NM and Betty Anderson of Prairie Farm WI; lifetime friend (“brother”) Pete Morales and many additional extended family members and friends as well. 


Dean was preceded in death by both of his parents, Irene and Turner Sallee, and his older brother Charles Sallee. Born in Las Cruces, NM and raised in Hatch, NM, Dean’s family owned and operated the local laundry where he often worked. Dean graduated from Hatch Valley High School in 1971, where his jerseys from basketball (#13) and (possibly) his Football (#12) hung for years in tribute to his efforts for his beloved “BEARS”! 


Dean was awarded a Congressional Appointment to the United States Naval Academy which he left Hatch to attend in Annapolis, Maryland after graduation. He ultimately chose to leave the Navy and later joined the United States Air Force as his brother Charles had done before him. Dean retired from the US Air Force after over 20 years of highly honorable service and entered the private sector as a uniquely skilled and specialized computer programmer. 


Dean was most certainly a man that touched people deeply and everlastingly. He always held many cherished memories of his home and special times with special people. As news of his illness was shared, Dean received many loving and warm letters, emails and phone calls from people he had touched throughout his life. Some he hadn’t had any contact with since his school days! I don’t know of anyone who ever knew him…that didn’t remember him. 


Dean was a very genuine man who did what he said and said what he’d do. His yes was yes, and his no was no. Though most generally easy going and accommodating, Dean could be unmovable when he chose not to do something, as well. One was never left “wondering” with him and could trust him to be loyal and true. His personal strength was often leaned on and always available whenever needed. 


As many would surely attest, Dean truly excelled at everything he applied himself to and consistently gave his all to whatever commitment he took on. He never accepted anything less of himself and encouraged others around him to do the same. 


After much travel and many relocations with his career, Dean was a resident of Maryland where he had resided for over 9 years at the time of his passing. He is now, and will forever more remain, a permanent resident in Paradise! 


All who knew and cared for Dean are welcome to attend his services. An evening visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014 from 6 – 8 pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. A memorial service in celebration of Dean’s life will be held the next morning, Friday, January 10, 2013 at 11am at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC. The memorial service will be followed by Dean’s final journey to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA at 2:00 pm where he will receive military honors. A memorial plaque will also be added to the Sallee family burial grounds in Hatch, NM, by Pete Morales. 


If you cannot attend but have a special memory or tribute to Dean that you might like to share, please post it onto the guestbook located to the left of this notice or forward it to the family and they will do their best to share it on your behalf. 


In lieu of flowers, Dean had requested that memorial gifts be directed to support the lung cancer research of his Oncologist: Dr. Julie Brahmer at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. You may make checks payable to Johns Hopkins University indicating the gift is in memory of Mr. Dean Sallee AND that it is to be directed in support of Dr. Julie Brahmer's research (very important to include) and mail to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 401 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD

Dean Sallee

Dean Sallee

Dean Sallee Services

No public services planned at this time