Obituary for Dean Edward Luxford

Dean Edward Luxford, 75, of Tama, IA died on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at home. Per his wishes, Dean was cremated. Life celebration services will take place during the summer 2010 when all friends and family can gather together in Iowa. Survivors include 2 daughters; Tori (Raymond) Pearce of Herschberg, Germany and her 2 children, Daniel and Darienne; Sara (Victor) Medellin of Chisago City, MN and her 3 children, Matthew, Alexis, and Heather; 3 sisters, Norma Grassmeier of Jefferson, IA, Delores Hansen of Washington state, and Connie Cox of Ankeny, IA, a sister-in-law, Kirstan (Rick) Condit, Marshalltown, IA, and brother-in-law Ron Staggs of Cincinnati, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Barbara Luxford. Dean (Lux, to his friends) was born on October 26, 1934 to Arthur and Opal Luxford in Bagley, IA. After high school, he served as a navigator in the US Navy from 1952-1955. He attended college in Cedar Falls, IA and became a teacher. He met and married Barbara Kennison in 1960 and had his two daughters shortly thereafter. He became interested in helping trouble youth and started his career in corrections. He achieved dual master''s degrees in administration and corrections. He served as superintendent at the Mitchellville Training School for Girls and the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo until retiring in 1990. He remained an active and well-respected member of the community throughout his entire life. Lux was a one-term mayor, president of the country club, Eagle''s member and served on city council in the local area. He will be sadly missed by his family and everyone who knew him.