Dean Shields Carper

Dean Shields Carper, 82, of Petoskey, Michigan died August 4, 2020 at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix with his loving wife, Jackie, by his side.

Dean was born on April 12, 1938, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of Edward and Mabel (Cooke) Carper.

Dean married the love of his life, Jacqueline Lee Coffman "Jackie", on May 13, 1961, in Culpeper, Virginia. Later that year, Dean joined the United States Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1967. He loved to take his young son fishing on the Shenandoah River in Virginia. They lived in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Petoskey, Michigan; making Petoskey their permanent residence in 1977.

He worked for natural gas and propane companies for most of his adult life and retired under Enbridge Inc. He was a member of the Freemasons, active in the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Emmet County Economic Development Corporation, Emmet County Brownfield Authority, NW MI Industrial Association, Home Builders Association, Rotary Club and as an Elections official for Resort Township, as well as the local Veteran's Affairs, and the local antique car club. He proudly served as President of the Chamber of Commerce. He loved antique automobiles, especially his robin egg blue 1952 Studebaker. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Petoskey where he and Jackie served as youth group mentors.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jackie Carper; his niece Carolyn (Larry) Wine of Virginia; cousin, Sylvia Milton of Ohio; and Maggie (Roy) Corbin of Rochester Hills, Michigan, who was always like a daughter to Dean and Jackie.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Dean Jr.

There will be a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery on August 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Social distancing will be required for the protection of Jackie. Pastor James Mitchum will officiate.

Donations and cards can be mailed to Jacqueline Carper, c/o Vicki Hankins 320 East Pine Street, Boyne City, MI 49712

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