Dean Arthur Pittenger, age 74, of Wellston, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 27, 2025, at his home.  He was born March 8, 1951 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Arden Pittenger and Elizabeth Rickabaugh Pittenger.  Dean was a 1969 graduate of Wellston High School and went on to graduate from Hocking College where he received a degree in engineering.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, having served from 1972 to 1976 during the Vietnam era.  Dean was a former boil operator at Merillat Industries, industrial maintenance manager at Mills Pride, and later retired from YSK as an electrician.  In his younger days, Dean enjoyed playing basketball and being a part of a traveling team. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cincinnati Reds.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and his best buddy, Bugsy.  Dean was an avid Trump supporter who always enjoyed spending hours discussing President Trump and politics.  He was a member of the Am Vets Jackson Post #82 and the American Legion Post #371 in Wellston.  Dean is survived by his wife, Pamela Kay Bartlett Pittenger, with whom he shared his life since 1982 and married on August 8, 2009; children, Bradley Pittenger (Amber) and Kelee Pittenger; step-sons, Tony Cox and Travis Cox; grandchildren, Cody Pittenger, Jaquetta Pittenger, Kris Pittenger, Allie Cox and Connor Cox; great-grandson, Jackson Snider; siblings, Ann Lomax (Francis), Don Pittenger, and Kathy Falencki (Edward), along with several nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Dean was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Jane Pittenger, and nephew, William Pittenger.  Calling hours will be Tuesday, December 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 31, at 2:30 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Ervin officiating.  Burial, with military honors, will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.