Carroll Dean Richins was born January 19, 1934, in Virden, NM, to Orson and Edna Richins. He was the ninth of eleven children. He was ingenious, always inventing ways to work smart. He could tackle most any problem if he simply thought it through.

Dean served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montana from July 1955 to July 1957. There, he met the love of his life, Donna. They were married September 4, 1957, in the Mesa, AZ Temple. He then served honorably in the United States Army from September 1957 to October 1959.

Dean and Donna settled in Animas, NM and had four children. He spent his days, and many nights, farming in the Animas Valley until he was 76 years old. He continued to plant his beloved watermelons in his half acre "garden" until the year he died. Dean greatly enjoyed growing and giving his sweet melons away, promising only that "...they will be a different color on the inside than the outside."

He worked with scouts for many years in the Boy Scouts of America. He received their highest award, The Silver Beaver, in 1987. He also held various callings in the Animas Ward throughout his life. His favorite callings were serving the youth and children of the church. A capacity he served in for multiple generations, earning him the most prestigious title of "Uncle Dean."

He is preceded in death by his parents, his ten siblings, his wife, Donna, and his son, Duane Dean. He is survived by his children, Terrill Richins (Teresa), Carolyn Richins, and LaDonna Noakes. He has six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He has passed on his love of music, singing, and growing melons to them all!

Funeral Services to be held August 17, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 Church Road, Cotton City, NM. Viewing at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am with internment and lunch to follow.

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