Omar Thomas Deen

Omar Thomas Deen, 90, of Panama City, Florida, went home to be with his Lord on January 30, 2026, surrounded by family, after a life marked by faith, service, and deep love for God and others.

Born on August 9, 1935, in Dante, Virginia, Omar was the son of Lebanese immigrant parents, Thomas A. Deen and Adele R. Deen. His father passed away just weeks after his birth, and in 1936, his mother remarried Thomas’ nephew, Harry Deen, in keeping with the customs of Middle Eastern families of that time. Omar considered St. Paul, Virginia his hometown and carried both his Lebanese heritage and his American identity with pride throughout his life.

A fiercely proud American, Omar often said, “I thank God I was born in America.” That pride was reflected in his service to his country as a United States Marine. He enlisted in 1955 and served until 1958, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Being a Marine was part of his DNA, and he frequently reminded those around him that Marines adapt, overcome, and persevere—principles he lived by every day.

Omar devoted his life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He believed deeply that he was called into full-time preaching and teaching ministry, wherever and to whomever the Lord led him. He held a Bachelor of Ministry from Florida Baptist Theological College, a Master of Religious Education from Gulf Coast Seminary, and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Over the years, Omar faithfully served many churches, including The Baptist Center in Panama City, Cove Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Bayou George, North Bay Baptist Church in Lynn Haven, First Baptist Church of Apalachicola, and Oak Grove Baptist Church. He also served tirelessly beyond the pulpit as a volunteer chaplain at Gulf Coast Medical Hospital, Bay Medical Hospital, and Select Specialty Services; as chaplain at the Bay County Jail; and through many prison ministries across the Florida Panhandle. He never stopped preaching the Gospel, believing that the souls of men and women mattered above all else.

Omar was married to the love of his life, Sandra Ellen Odum Deen, for nearly 63 years. Together they built a family grounded in faith and love. He is survived by his wife Sandra; his children Delilah Deen Dennis (Ed) of Panama City, Mary Deen Weiss (Frank) of Panama City, and his son Thomas Deen of Pensacola; twelve grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, with four more expected this year. He is also survived by his sisters Amelia Brown, Adele Leslie, and Nadia Smallwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Afaf Yorde; and his brothers Fred Deen and Harry Deen.

Omar loved big. He defended what he believed with conviction and compassion. He was known for telling the same jokes repeatedly, preaching everywhere, including fast food drive-thru lines, and for giving generously to those in need. He often referred to himself as “Lebanese Heaven-eze,” described himself as “Bronze, Brown, and Beautiful,” and loved to quote Romans 8:28–29, reminding others that God works all things together for good.

A public Celebration of Life service will be held on February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Panama City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International, in honor of Omar’s lifelong commitment to sharing God’s Word (www.gideons.org).

The family extends their deepest gratitude to VITAS Hospice for their compassionate care, including the nurses, social workers, and chaplains who walked faithfully alongside Omar and his family. Sincere thanks are also extended to the entire staff and professionals at the Tender Touch Home Healthcare, Panama City Beach VA Clinic, Corrie Freund-Owen of Cardiology Associates and Dee Cash, ARNP, at Bay Clinic Inc. The family is especially grateful to entire staff at the offices of doctors Syed Gilani, Jesus Ramirez, Amir Haghighat, and Ikram Ul Haq for their compassion, dedication, expertise, and care.