Former Crossville Mayor Earl Dean has died.

Former Crossville mayor and council member Earl Dean has passed away.  Current council member and former mayor J. H. Graham posted the news on Facebook saying that "It is with a sad heart that I let you all know that Mr. Earl Dean , former Mayor of Crossville, passed away this morning..He served our Community with dignity.,His love for our Community is unequaled and I respected him and his judgement..He was my mentor and I will miss him."

Dean was elected to council in 1988 and took office January of 1989.  He served as councilman until December of 1992 when he became Mayor in January 1993.  He continued as mayor until November of 1998.  He was returned to the council in November of 2000 and served until 2012.

Dean was also a long time local businessman who owned and operated Monticello Canning.

Crossville mayor J. H. Graham, left, presented Earl Dean, right, with recognition 

for his many years of service to Crossville.  Councilman Danny Wyatt is in the back. 

From Earl Dean's distinguished service award presented when he retired from council:

Earl Dean has served as Mayor for 6 years and a member of the Crossville City Council for 16 years, Crossville Regional Planning Commission for 17 years, and the Lake Commission since January 1994 with dedication and distinction, earning him the respect of the citizens of Crossville; and

Whereas, the exemplary conduct and sense of fairness he has demonstrated in all his activities has been an influence for good in the growth and progress of our community; and

Whereas, during his years on City Council, the population of the county has grown 61%, resulting in the need for forward thinking and planning to accommodate this growth and prepare for the future; and

Whereas, the City Council especially recognizes his progressive leadership in planning, economic development, infrastructure improvements, recreation, tourism, education, business

development and support, and marketing during his tenure;