Dean Arthur Hancox of Morgantown, formerly of Cumberland, Md. passed away peacefully on April 12, 2022.
Dean was born Dec. 28, 1935, in Cumberland, Md., to John Arthur Hancox and Mabel Oretha Hancox (formerly Dean). He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Lee Hancox (formerly Gibson), of Kingwood. He is survived by his son, Dr. Michael Dean Hancox; daughter-in-law, Anita Louise Hancox, (formerly Cardamone); and grandson, Angelo. He is also survived by his son, Dr. John Gibson Hancox; daughter-in-law, Melissa Ann Hancox (formerly Snyder); granddaughters, Ashley and Lauren; and grandsons, William and Ben.
Dean grew up on McDonald Terrace and attended Allegany High School, where he graduated in 1953. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. and completed his master’s degree in education at Frostburg State College in 1968. He taught English, U.S. History and Latin at Beall High School from 1958-1959. Dean taught Latin, French and English at Mount Savage High School from 1959-1975. He enthusiastically directed nine three-act drama productions while he taught at Mount Savage High School. From 1975-1978, he was an administrative assistant at Allegany High School and vice principal at the school from 1978-1979. Subsequently, he became principal at Flintstone School from 1979-1985. From 1985-1986, Dean was the assistant transportation supervisor for Allegany County. He then taught English at Bruce Middle School from 1986-1988 and ended his career teaching English at Washington Middle School from 1988-1996.
Dean was an active member of Centre Street United Methodist Church from 1948-2016 where he sung in the sanctuary choir for much of those years. From 2016 until his passing, he was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Morgantown, where he also sung in the choir. He was a member of the Maryland Retired Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers. In addition, Dean was a member of Queen City AF & AM Masonic Lodge #131, the Cumberland Scottish Rite Consistory and the Ali Ghan Shrine Temple. Dean served on the Board of Directors of the Frostburg State University Foundation from 1976-2009.
Dean was an accomplished pianist and, as a teenager, he competed in local and regional competitions. Moreover, he played piano for the Modernaires dance band in the early 1960s. Most of all, he enjoyed playing for his family and friends. He was a passionate golfer and could be found on local golf courses in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia on many mornings with his family and friends. He was a skilled limerick composer and word smith and was known for his amazing oratory skills. He loved literature and vocabulary and was an avid reader. Finally, he greatly enjoyed watching Jeopardy.
From 2016 until his death, he lived at the Village at Heritage Point in Morgantown, where he developed many close friendships and served on multiple administrative committees and the Republican Club. In addition, he was heavily involved in social and cultural activities at the Village.
Most importantly, Dean was known for the loving care he provided for his wife Donna, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years until her death and the joy he experienced being with his family. He was very proud of his children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, MD, (www.AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, with a funeral service following with Pastor Mike Harriman officiating.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.
