Dean Esslinger passes

ESSLINGER, Dean E., Col. USMC Retired, 90, of Chesterfield, passed away Monday, April 9, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jane Atkinson Esslinger; his parents, Emanuel E. Esslinger and Lou Fansler Esslinger; and three brothers, Gale, Roland and Marshall. He is survived by his son, Gary Esslinger; and daughter, Dee Ann Esslinger Lum; four grandchildren, Nichole Esslinger Deal (Bryan), Haylie Lum Kokoski (Brad), Kevin Esslinger and Kelly Esslinger; two great-grandchildren, Logan and Ansley Deal; sisters-in-law, Margaret Esslinger and Maxine Atkinson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Colonel Esslinger was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. He enlisted in the Marine Corps eight days after Pearl Harbor was attacked and participated in the Guadalcanal and Tarawa operations. Prior to returning to active duty for Korea, he attended Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In Viet Nam, he served as the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. Subsequent to Viet Nam, he served as the Fleet Marine Force Pacific Inspector and as the G-4 at Marine Recruit Depot, Parris Island. During his career, he was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with Combat V and Gold Star in lieu of second award, two Purple Hearts, Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Medal, four Presidential Unit Citations, USMC Good Conduct and numerous other medals. After he retired from the Marine Corps in June 1972, he enjoyed his great loves of family, golf and woodworking. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 15 at Bliley’s – Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Rd. Burial will be with Full Military Honors at 10 a.m. Monday, April 16 at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Va.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, Calif. 92057, semperfifund.org.

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