Howard M. Dean, the grandson of the founder of Dean Foods Co., died March 25 at age 74. Mr. Dean retired as chairman of the company in 2002; in 2001 it merged with Dallas-based Suiza Foods Corp. The combined companies retained the Dean Foods name.
Dean Foods, based in Dallas, ranks No. 1 on the Dairy 100, Dairy Foods’ annual ranking of North America’s largest dairy processors.
Mr. Dean is also survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane; daughters Ashley Killpack and Jennifer Brummett; brothers Greg and William; and nine grandchildren.