Whitman County Gazette - Serving Whitman County since 1877

Dean B. Dechenne, long time resident of St. John, Washington, passed away on March 7, 2020, at the age of 98, with family members by his side. Dean was born and raised near Ewan and Lamont and remained there his whole life. In 1946, he met and married his wife of 70+ years, Billie Heiney, where they lived, farmed and raised their three children.

Dean was born at the ranch and was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Ewan High School, he continued to farm with his brother, Virgil, until he joined the Army Air Force during WWII until his tour ended in 1946. Upon marrying Bill...