Bonnie "Dean" Hinton

Bonnie “Dean” Hinton, 88, a proud veteran, dedicated trucker and lover of the open road, passed away peacefully at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on February 14, 2025.

Born on October 16, 1936, in Paris, Arkansas to Bonnie Lee Hinton and Vita Marie (Spillers) Hinton Kaufman, Dean grew up spending time in Arkansas, California and Colorado. He had a love for adventure and travel and a deep respect for hard work. A veteran of the Korean War, he served his country as a United States Marine, carrying the spirit of duty and resilience throughout his life.

After military service, Dean found his calling on the road, becoming a truck driver and a proud Teamster. He started his trucking career in Long Beach, California working for Douglas Oil Company and continued trucking until his retirement. During his career, Dean logged countless miles across the country, with Route 66 holding a special place in his heart. He also came to love the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake City, Utah, ultimately making that his home for many years before returning to Oklahoma. Wherever Dean lived, each place left its mark on him as he built a life filled with family and friendships. Whether behind the wheel of a truck or beneath the wide-open sky, Dean embraced the spirit of the road and the beauty of the outdoors.

When Dean wasn’t on a long haul, he could be found in the mountains, fishing by a quiet stream while enjoying nature's peace. His love for camping by a riverbed was instilled in his children at an early age. Some of his favorite spots included the Florida River in Durango, Colorado and the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah.

Dean found joy in tinkering with CB radios, GPS units, collecting guns, reading autobiographical & historical books and watching documentaries. He also loved buying old broken watches and other items on Ebay then gifting his restored treasures to family and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Lee Hinton and Vita Marie (Spillers) Hinton Kaufmann; his wife Colleen Hinton in 1988; daughter Pamela Noe; granddaughter Jamie Noe Allen, grandson Taylor Moles Hinton; and older sisters Annetta Gibson and Billie Jo Fontenot.

He is survived by his caring partner Lois Hinton and her family of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his son, Patrick Hinton and wife Sherri; son Mike Hinton and wife Gypsy, all of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; his daughter Kelley Miller and husband Pat of Derby, Kansas; and his son-in-law, Jimmy Noe of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind a host of beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends who will cherish his sense of humor and his kind disposition.

Per his request, Dean will take his final journey down the highway and we will find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and will be eternally surrounded by the mountains and open skies he loved so much.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date. The family would like to express our deep gratitude to Millenium Hospice for providing Dean with comfort and compassion in his final days.

If you would like to honor Dean’s memory, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Dean’s family entrusted his care and cremation to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.