A celebration of life for Harold Dean “Dean” Grimes, 65, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Band Shell in Lewis Park in Wheatland. A lunch will follow the service.
Dean passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Platte County Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Dean was born on September 12, 1960, in Rock Springs, to Herman Harold and Lois Jean (Bolen) Grimes. He was raised and educated in Rock Springs. Dean proudly served in the United States Army for a year and a half before serving an additional two years with the Army National Guard.
Dean did many things throughout his life, but his true love was always driving truck. He farmed for many years, worked for Triple K Farms, and drove truck for Sam Huckfeldt and Sons before eventually owning his own trucking business. He also often moved mobile homes for people simply because they needed a helping hand. Dean had two great loves in his life: his family and his trucks. Dean had a generous heart and was always willing to help others whenever they needed someone or something.
Dean married Darla Dykema in 1978. While they went their separate ways in 1995, they remained married until Darla passed away on Feb. 24, 2024. On Jan. 3, 2025, Dean married his longtime friend, Maria Ernst, in Wheatland.
Dean enjoyed darts, trucks, hunting, and fishing. Most of all, he was a loving father who always kept his home open to foster children. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and was the kind of person who would go out of his way to help anyone in need.
Dean is survived by his wife, Maria Ernst; his children, Crystal Grimes, Melissa Grimes, Brennen Ernst, Kevin Grimes, and Andria Grimes; 15 grandchildren; and his brother, Michael Grimes.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Darla Grimes; his parents, Herman Grimes and Lois Tillman; and his grandparents, Michael and May Bolen.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
