Dennis Dean Hooten, was born on October 13, 1954 in Massillon, Ohio.  He was the fourth of seven children born to Willie Lee and Ethel Mae Hooten.  He made his transition on Sunday April 30, 2017 in Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, Minnesota.  
He received his education in the Canton Public School system.  Growing up, he enjoyed sports but basketball was his favorite.  He was phenomenal on the Basketball court.  On the court, he was known as "Dean The Dream."  No words are needed to describe his talent other than he was gifted.  Later in life, he met and married Paula (Moody) Hooten.  They eventually moved from Canton, OH to Detroit, MI.  To this union two daughters were born Nikia and Natasha Hooten.
Dennis (known to most as Dean) enjoyed barbequing.  In fact, one of his talents was cooking and creating delicious barbeque sauce.  Family, friends, and co-workers all enjoyed his special sauce.  He even had it on the market at the Dairy Queen near his home.  Now that's some good sauce!!!
Although he had many talents, Construction was his calling.  Dean moved to Minnesota and worked for Weekes Forest Products Co. for almost twenty years until his retirement in October, 2016.  Dean enjoyed the construction business but enjoyed being with family even more.  He was looking forward to being able to spend more time with his family after retirement.
Dean was a social butterfly that truly loved and valued family.  He had the biggest heart and was always giving and helping those in need.  He had a personality that everyone couldn't help but love.  Dean could meet a stranger and within minutes they were talking as if they had been friends for years.  He was very personable and he touched the hearts of many people.  We will all miss his infectious smile and good-humored personality. 
Dean fulfilled his purpose on earth, therefore, God called His son home.  Everyone knew that Dean loved his girls.  He was crazy about them.  He taught them how to be responsible, independent, and loving young women.  His main goal was to make sure he prepared them for the real world because he knew one day this day would come.  He wanted to know that they would be able to survive on their own, and he succeeded.  Dean can rest peacefully knowing that "his girls" can handle the world and are truly survivors.  Even though we may feel he was taken too soon, his spirit will always live on in our hearts.  His legacy will live on through his children and grandchild.  He touched many hearts and developed many lasting relationships while here on this earth.  He planted a strong foundation filled with faith, love, and happiness that will forever remain.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ethel Mae Hooten, his father Willie Lee Hooten, brothers Willie Lee Hooten Jr., Murray Lee Hooten, Eddie James Hooten, and sister Linda Marie Hooten.  Left to cherish his memories are:  two loving daughters Nikia Hooten of Southfield, MI, Natasha Hooten of  Southfield, MI, granddaughter Beileigh Grays of Southfield, MI, two brothers Jerry (Deb) Hooten of Brooklyn Park, MN, Timmy Hooten of North Canton, OH, Special Aunt Bertha Nash of Akron, OH, Special Uncle Leander McPherson of Massillon, OH and a host of other relatives and friends. 

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