Joe Ned Dean, born February 7, 1945, in Crockett, Texas, to George and Enda Mae Dean, passed away on September 13, 2026, in New Braunfels, Texas, at the age of 81.

Joe Ned was a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose life was defined by honesty, hard work, compassion and a deep commitment to his church, family and community. He spent his life serving the people and caring for the place that he knew and loved.

Raised in Groveton, Texas, Joe Ned graduated from Groveton High School in 1963.  He went on to attend The University of Texas and was accepted into the University of Texas School of Law, where he earned his law degree. After graduation, he returned home, where he built a distinguished career as an attorney, county attorney, district judge, visiting judge, district attorney, and senior judge.

From 1977 to 1998, Joe Ned served as judge of the 258th District Court, which serves Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties. From 2004 to 2012, he served as district attorney for the 258th Judicial District. In 2013, he was approved as a Texas senior judge. Governor Dolph Briscoe appointed him the 258th District Court in 1977, after which he was elected by the people of Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties. He was the youngest district judge ever appointed in the state of Texas and continued to be listed as the 258th District Judge in the Texas Judicial Directory in 1995.

Joe Ned also served his country in the United States Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was very proud to have served his country in that aspect but did not consider himself equal to those who were active duty .

Central to his life was his unwavering faith. He was a lifelong member of the Groveton Church of Christ, where he was known for his kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for others.

His love for Groveton extended far beyond the church. He was a devoted, lifelong Groveton Indian fan who carried an incredible memory of the games played throughout the years. Whether a game marked an important moment in school history or was simply another Friday night under the lights, he could recall the score. To him, they were all worth remembering.

If he could leave one final message for the generations of students and alumni who have walked the halls of Groveton High School, there is little doubt what it would be:

"Go Big Red!"

He treasured the land of East Texas, caring for his cattle and timber with pride and stewardship, seeing them as a vital connection to his heritage and community.

Joe Ned was preceded in death by his parents, George and Enda Mae Dean, and his brother and sister-in-law, P.D. and Florine Hamilton. He is survived by his sister, Enda Lou Dean Jackson, and her family: Joe and Casey Jackson; Perri and Piper, Dean and Julie Jackson; and Kate and Jett. He is also survived by his niece Virginia and Troy Price and her family: Justin and Whitney and their sons, Jace and Reed; John and Amber Star and their children Layton, Kaleigh, Kenleigh, and Layne, and Mike and Delisa Price and their children, Josie and True; his nephew Don Hamilton and wife, Revette Hamilton and their family: Clint and Payton; Hoyt and Lainey; and Whitney; cousins, Larry Dean, Hank Dean, Tracy Dean Franks, Linda Gise, Jackie Robertson, and Bill Dickey Thompson; and many friends who were blessed to know him.

His family and friends will remember him for his quiet strength, fairness, dry sense of humor, and the way he made everyone feel valued. Joe Ned Dean was a true son of Groveton and a servant of East Texas whose legacy will endure.

Funeral services for Joe Ned Dean will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 10:00 A.M. at Groveton Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Goins officiating and Pastor Keith Jones and Joe Scott Evans assisting. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Groveton, Texas. The family will receive guests after services at the Riata On Main in Groveton, Texas.

Donations in Joe Ned's memory are welcomed to:

·         Groveton Church of Christ

·         Glenwood Cemetery Association

·         Groveton Ex-Students Association: The Enda Mae and George Dean Scholarship

·         Hope Hospice, New Braunfels, Texas

His life and legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.