Harold "Dean" VanDyke

Harold “Dean” VanDyke, 65, of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 16, 2026, at his home.

He was born on August 4, 1960, in Sayre, PA, the son of the late Paul and Laura Loretta (Hoose) VanDyke.

He worked on the family farm growing up, and went to work for the gas industry. He also helped his friend cutting down trees and cleaning up the dead ones.

He loved going to horse shows and watch all of the littles ride and giggle, cheering on Kenzie and all of her friends. Dean loved sitting on his porch watching his birds and squirrels, and feeding his deer.

Dean was one of a kind! He was extremely determined to be free! His family was priority, spending time with them and helping them with whatever they needed was first on his list. Known to everyone as Uncle Dean, he loved helping Amber to work on her car and truck projects, having Alyssa and Kayla come visit as the would sit and talk about everything. Lucas enjoyed showing him all the fish he was catching at the pond. Dean had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teasing those around him, especially busting on Jason and Tristian about their logic to things and letting them know how interesting it was. Austin received all of the jokes about all the little girlfriends he had as a kid. Shelby, well, she got numerous cups of coffee from just sitting on his lap.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Ronald and Wayne VanDyke, sister, Virginia “Gin” VanDyke, nephew, Ryan VanDyke, and brother-in-law, Richard Barber.

Dean is survived by his beloved life partner of 20 years, Tara, daughters, Taylor Nichols, Mackenzie (Chris) Maslyar, Misty Morris, Heather Moore, and Jessica Gibson, sons, Tristian Nichols, Thomas (Forest) Wheeler, Brandon Moore, and Josh (Angel) Moore, and several grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas VanDyke, sister, Cindy (Joe) Barber, sisters-in-law, Mary VanDyke and Nancy Wood, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA.

Memorial donations may be made in Dean’s name to Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 S. Main St., Athens, PA 18810 to help offset the funeral expenses.

For those wishing to sign the e-guestbook or to send condolences, you may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.

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