Erban "Dean" Absher

Click here to watch Live-Stream

Mr. Erban “Dean” Absher, age 89 of Wilkesboro passed away Monday, July 7, 2025, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-Winston Salem. 

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Arbor Grove Methodist Church with Rev. David Dyer and Rev. Dr. Susan Pillsbury-Taylor officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Monday, July 14, 2025 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.  Burial with Military Honors by The United States Air Force will be in the church cemetery. The casket will be placed in the church at 1:30 PM. 

He was born March 11, 1936, in Ashe County to Tom and Sybil Pollard Absher. He was a member of Baptist Home Baptist Church and attended Arbor Grove Methodist Church.

Dean was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time outside taking care of his bees. He lived a life fully devoted to Christ. Dean proudly served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, with assignments around the world—including Japan, Florida, Germany, Utah, England, North Carolina, and Canada. One of his most honorable chapters was serving in the Vietnam War. His courage earned him the Bronze Star and several other accolades. He retired as a Master Sergeant after a distinguished career of dedicated service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife; Mary Lois Woodie Absher, daughter; Jennifer Absher, granddaughter; Reese Huskey, three brothers; Jesse Absher, Jerry Absher, Jack Absher. 

He is survived by his wife; Linda Pierce Absher of the home, five daughters; Angel Adams Minton (Jeff) of Wilkesboro, Alisha Adams Huskey (Ronnie) of North Wilkesboro, Alison Adams Thornton of Wilkesboro, Regina Absher Combs (Dwayne) of McGrady, Deana Absher Johnson (Danny) of Wilkesboro, fourteen grandchildren; Alex Minton, Lauren Minton, Raylan Minton, Reagan Friday (Tre), Reid Huskey, Aubree Thornton, Pierce Thornton, Makari Absher, Sabrina Miller (Scott), Stephanie Dillard (Scotty), Courtney Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Natalie Johnson, three great-grandchildren; Gavin Dillard, Garrett Dillard, Grayson Miller, two sisters; Virginia Brooks (Bobby) of Virginia, Debbie Absher (Lenny) of Millers Creek, and one brother; Charles Absher of Winston Salem. 

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Arbor Grove Methodist Church, C/O Linsday Eller, 590 Shepherd River Road, Millers Creek, NC  28651. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erban "Dean" Absher, please visit our floral store.