Vernon Dean Worthington

Dean Worthington, 94, of Muscatine, died Saturday, January 1, 2022, at the Iowa Masonic Health Facility in Bettendorf. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Muscatine is caring for the family.  Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Vernon Dean Worthington was born on November 19, 1927, the son of Emmett and Edna (Hocke) Worthington. He was a 1944 graduate of Creston High School.  Dean was united in marriage to Ethel Dunkerson on June 24, 1948, in Creston.  Dean and Ethel were co-directors of Southeast Iowa Child Evangelism for over 40 years.  Dean served many churches and denominations over the years.  He was an excellent Bible teacher to many children at churches, camps, AWANA and clubs.  Dean loved music and singing.  He was an excellent drummer and loved playing his harmonicas and ukulele.  He was known for his great sense of humor and compassionate heart.  Dean was a hard worker and dedicated friend to many.  He deeply loved his family members and spent much time attending the grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sport, music and civic events.  He enjoyed the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears.  He proudly served his country in Japan as a corporal in the Army Air Corp after World War II.  His influence was felt around the world due to his rich prayer life.  “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” 

Dean will be deeply missed by his children, Cheryl Estabrook of Muscatine, Mary (Gene) Long of Phrae, Thailand, Nancy (Don) Blomberg of Cheyenne, WY, Twyla (David) Thiessen of Davenport and Deanna McWilliam of Sydney, Australia; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; sisters, Anna Mae Haley of Detroit, MI and Twyla Humpleby of Cedar Rapids and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ethel, son, Allen Worthington, daughter, Martha Worthington Purcell and brother, Paul Worthington.

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