Dean Elmore Largent

Dean Elmore Largent D.D.S., 92, passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Dean was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 4, 1928.  He was the son of Ira E. and Mary Largent.  Dean grew up in Tyler, Texas and moved to Clarkston, Washington after high school graduation.  At age 16, he entered college in Moscow, Idaho and met his future wife, Betty Lou Loman, at a sorority/fraternity exchange.  Dean took his first plane ride in his junior year of college to interview for a position at the new dental school in Seattle at the University of Washington.  He and Betty married after her graduation and Dean’s first year of dental school on June 19, 1949.

After graduation from dental school, Dean served in the US Public Health service at the Yakima Reservation.  He and Betty had their first child while living in Toppenish.  The small family moved to Othello, Washington in 1956 where Dean established a dental practice, and he and Betty raised four children, a niece and a nephew.

Dean was a hunting and gold enthusiast, sang bass in the choir of his Presbyterian Church and enjoyed traveling and public service.  He retired from 39 years in dental practice in June of 1995.  Betty and Dean spent their retirement years in Othello, Tri-Cities and Sandpoint, Idaho.

Dean is survived by his four children; Barbara (George) Ray, Upper Pack River, Idaho, Lawrence “Larry” Largent, The Dalles, Oregon, Donna (Steve) Zeck, Woodinville, Washington and Gail (Robert) Gilliam, Kennewick, Washington.  He had six surviving grandchildren, Elisabeth Gilliam, Joseph Gilliam, Sarah Danielle, Ian Largent and Justin Zeck.  He had three great grandchildren at the time of his death in July 2021.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, brother Don Largent (Spokane) and grandson Nick Gilliam (Kennewick).

A family graveside service was held for Dean on July 7, 2022 in Pinecrest Memorial Park, Sandpoint, Idaho.