MENDOTA - Dean Lubbs, 74, of Mendota passed away May 26, 2020 at his home surrounded by family.

Russel Dean Lubbs was born May 24, 1946 in Princeton to Bill and Joyce (Wangelin) Lubbs. He married Susan Clay, his high school sweetheart, on June 14, 1964.

Sadly, there will be no visitation or services at this time due to the social circumstances surrounding COVID. Arrangements are being handled by Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Survivors include his wife of Mendota; one daughter, Michele (James) Meyer of Mendota; three grandchildren, Brett (Cassandra) Meyer of Davenport, Fla., Dr. Bria Meyer of Omaha, Neb. and Alex Lubbs of Bradenton, Fla.; and three siblings, Larry (Jeanne) Lubbs of Williamsburg, Va., Roger (Nadine) Lubbs of Dixon and Sue (Robert) Neahring of Manlius.

He was preceded in death by his son, Tim; his parents, Bill and Joyce; and one brother, Dennis Lubbs.

Dean grew up on a farm and attended schools in Manlius. He attended Western Illinois University on a football scholarship and was a captain of the football team. After graduating with honors from Western in 1968, he attended graduate school at the University of Missouri graduating in 1969. Dean returned to Illinois and began his teaching and coaching career at Mendota Township High School in 1969 where he remained until his retirement in 2001. During that time, he was inducted into the IHSA Football Coaches Hall of Fame as well as earned many other educator and coaching awards. Dean “Coach” Lubbs will be remembered as the ultimate professional. He mentored students, athletes and many young teachers at Mendota High School. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him and whose lives he impacted throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dean Lubbs to Mendota High School for enhancement of the fitness center or Vitas Hospice for the loving care they provided to Dean.