Dean Church, first UL basketball All-American, dies after illness – funeral arrangements included

Tim Buckley, The Advertiser, May 28, 2014

UL basketball great Dean Church, second from left, waves to the crowd after his jersey was retired at half time of the game against UL Monroe at the Cajundome Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Lafayette. Standing with Church are Athletic Director Scott farmer, left, Sally his wife and UL President Joe Savoie. (Photo by Brad Kemp/ bkemp@theadvertiser.com)(Photo: Brad Kemp, The Advertiser, Brad Kemp/ bkemp@theadvertiser.com)

Dean Church, the first-ever UL men’s basketball player named an All-American, passed away Tuesday night, according to the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Network.

Church, among Cajun greats whose jersey has been retired by the university, had been battling a lengthy illness.

Church, who wore No. 12, was named an NAIA All-American following the 1963-64 season.

He also became the program’s first-ever player to be honored as an All-America honor twice when, following the 1964-65 season, he was named both an NAIA All-American again and to the Associated Press Little All-America team.

“He was an integral part of our tradition-rich program,” UL coach Bob Marlin said before Church’s jersey was retired at the Cajundome.

Church played at Blackham Coliseum from the 1960-61 through 1964-65 seasons, and completed his career with 1,546 points.

The native of Ashland, Ky., was selected in the 10^th round of the 1965 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, and was inducted into the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981.

Athletic Network Footnote:
We are saddened at the loss of Dean, our first All-American Basketball player, and everyone’s All-American person. He was a true friend. My life has been enriched and blessed for having known him. Our condolences are extended to Sally and their family. May the Peace of the Lord be with them during this time of sadness.  Peace, Ed Dugas

Click here for Dean’s Athletic Network profile.  

Click here for video of "Dean Church: An Extraordinary Life"

Click here for the Dean Church photo gallery.

His obituary will be posted on the AN as soon as it is finalized.

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Funeral arrangements are as follows:
·         Date of Funeral Service : Monday, June 2^nd

·         Time :
ü  Visitation : 8:30am – 11:00am
ü  Mass : 11:00am
·         Location for Visitation and Mass : Holy Family Catholic Church (155 Holy Family Lane – Luling, LA 70070 )

The obituary will be listed in the following newspapers :

·         Friday and Saturday : N.O. Advocate, Baton Rouge Advocate and Lafayette Advertiser
·         Saturday ( only ) : N.O. Times Picayune

Mothe Funeral Home in Harvey web site to refer to obituary is  : http://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/louisiana/harvey/mothe-funeral-home-harvey/fh-17440