Edwin Dejean

Edwin Duane DeJean-beloved father, grandfather, and husband, died on January 29 surrounded by his family. He was 85.

Ed was the devoted husband to his wife of 62 years, Karen Ruth (Lochner) DeJean, of Littleton, Colorado; loving father to his daughters Lynette DeJean (and husband Jim Lemos) of Highlands Ranch and Kendra DeJean of Englewood and his sons Mark DeJean of Centennial and Brad DeJean (and wife Samantha Bley DeJean) of Mill Valley, California; and beloved grandfather of Morgan Hedlund, Austin DeJean, Ben Lemos, Kassie DeJean and Remy DeJean.

Born in Dunlap, Iowa, on January 25, 1937, Ed was the youngest of seven children of William Lewis DeJean and Ella Jennie Disrude DeJean. He moved with his family to Denver in 1948, and in 1955 graduated from Denver West High School. Nicknamed "Cowboy Ace," he captained the basketball team and earned a spot as an All-City player. At West, he fell in love with his lifelong sweetheart Karen.

Ed played basketball at the University of Denver, at Regis College, and in the Army National Guard. In 1957 he began what would be a 42-year career with General Motors, where his work ethic, kindness and humility earned him the respect of his colleagues and a promotion to plant manager, his role for the last 17 years of his GM career. He and his family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1972 and Southern California in 1987. While in California, he became the first of his parents' seven children to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, a vocation he would pursue for more than 15 years after his retirement from GM. In 1992 he and Karen realized their dream of living again in their beloved Colorado, where he later retired and lived the rest of his life.

Of all Ed's passions, he most loved being with his family, coaching his children and grandchildren in all sports, and playing golf with his lifelong friends. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Celebration of Ed's life, Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO,  Saturday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation.