ELKHART -- Dean L. Holdeman, 89, of Elkhart, died Wednesday (Oct. 28, 2009) at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Feb. 9, 1920, in Elkhart to Walter and Cleo (Craft) Holdeman. On May 10, 1992, in Elkhart, he married Ruby J. Wright.

She survives along with two sons, Lee Holdeman of Nappanee and Robert Holdeman of Goshen; two daughters, Sharon Baker of Irons, Mich., and Carol (Bob) Wallace of Elkhart; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Bernice F. Moyer Holdeman of Elkhart.

Mr. Holdeman was preceded in death by a daughter, Deb Swindle, and two brothers, Quinn and Glenn "Dutch" Holdeman.

Mr. Holdeman retired from Hosack's Phillips 66 Service Station in Elkhart, where he worked as a mechanic for 30 years. He enjoyed working on cars and meeting friends at the Boardwalk Cafe for coffee and to share the day's events. A 1938 graduate of Wakarusa High School, he attended Zion Missionary Church in Elkhart.

No visitation or services are planned at this time. Cremation has taken place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to DreamsWork, P.O. Box 2773, Elkhart, 46515. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.