Dean Wendell Christler, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the age of 93. Dean was born to Vivian Sutton Christler and George Clifford Christler on December 9, 1924. He was born and raised in Sheridan, WY on Gladstone Street. Dean and his family had many fond memories of their neighbors on Gladstone, where lifelong friendships were developed. He was especially close to the Clapham family.
After graduation from Sheridan High School, Dean joined the Army for several years. He was able to realize his dream of learning to fly while in the military. Dean’s dad was a pilot and Dean and his brother, Cliff were both crazy about airplanes and cars. Dean could name any airplane that flew overhead, just by the sound of the engine. He almost always got it right.
Dean continued to fly and became a pilot for Liberia Air in Liberia, Africa. He loved his time there and spoke of many fond memories, including meeting Charles Lindbergh.
Dean married Grace Brown Klinkhammer on June 28th, 1959 after returning from Africa. Dean gained a step-son, Vince, from this union. A daughter, Tammy was born a year later.
Dean continued his pilot career through teaching flight, providing charter flights and also, mechanic service for airplanes. He purchased Sheridan Air Service in the early 1970’s which was at the Sheridan airport. Dean sold Sheridan Air Service in the early 1980’s and became a pilot for the oil exploration company GeoSource Exploration in Saudi Arabia.
Dean was extremely honest and an all-around nice person. He loved his family and would do anything within his power to make their dreams come true. He was always happy to lend a helping hand. Dean loved being a papa to his granddaughter, Vanessa. He would light-up at the mention of her. He told anyone that listened about all her redeeming qualities, especially her singing.
Dean had a bad, auto accident two months before his death. He was a fighter and worked hard to recover. Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his mother, Vivian; his father, George; and brother, Clifford. Survivors include his daughter, Tammy Teigen of Buffalo; her daughter, Vanessa (Joel) of Wisconsin; his son, Vincent Klinkhammer of Sheridan; Vince’s son, Aaron; and daughter, Dawna. There will not be a service at this time as Dean outlived almost everyone. He left us on December 31st, 2017 while napping.
Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
