Dean Wayne Thomas

Thomas, Dean Wayne, 77, of Lutz, passed away peacefully, April 5, 2025. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he spent the last 15 years in Tampa, Florida.

He was a 1966 graduate of DuPont Manual High School. After high school, he served in the Air National Guard from 1966-1978.

Dean joined the Louisville Fire Department in 1970.  This became Dean’s life’s work.  As everyone around him knew, Dean loved the fire department and all his fellow firefighters.  He worked in several houses:  Engine 9 (1970-71); Snorkel 2 (1971); Engine 12 (1971-73); Engine 17 (1973); Engine 1 (1973-96).  He retired from Engine 1, July 1996.  After retiring from LFD, he had a second career at the Kentucky Air National Guard (KYANG) as a state firefighter. 

Dean married the love of his life, Betty, in January 1988. They raised her daughter Denise together.  

When Dean wasn’t at the firehouse, you would most likely find him fishing in Harrods Creek, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley or any number of other lakes in Kentucky and Florida but he loved the Ohio River the most.  Dean loved spending time with friends.  If he wasn’t at Bus Parsons he was probably with Betty at John E’s, or the Elks Lodge.

Dean is now reunited with his wife, Betty, whom he lost in December of 2024.  He was preceded in death by his dad, Norman and his loving mother, Joyce Draughton.  Survivors include their daughter; Denise Palmer, and husband, Marty; Grandchildren Jack, Madison and Avery.  Siblings David Thomas and Norman (Jan) Thomas.

The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.  Condolences can be made online.

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