William Dean Edgar, age 83 of Marceline, died Friday, January 1, 2021 at Pioneer Nursing Home. Dean was born in Marceline, MO on October 27, 1937 to Charles and Maude (Wiseman) Edgar. He married Lucy Edgar on December 21, 1961 in El Paso, TX and they were married 56 years. He is survived by two daughters Dena Tubbs and David, Marceline and Missy and Mitch Buchanan, Rocheport; sister, Ruth Farris, Marceline; five beloved grandchildren, Logan and Davin Tubbs and Cruz, Maddie and Cole Buchanan; eight nieces and nephews, Donnie Edgar & Joyce, Tom Edgar and Joy, Diane Rodgers & Tim and Randy Edgar & Julie all of Marceline; Marcia Cunningham & Matt, Brookfield; Denise Darr & Richard, Kansas City; Steve Edgar & Lynne, Lantana, TX and Mindy Farris Stella, Shelbyville, KY. He was preceded in death by wife, Lucy Edgar; parents, Charley & Maude Edgar; sister, Ruby Edgar; brother, Dale Edgar; sister-in-law, Eileen Edgar; brother-in-law, James Farris and nephew, Kenny Farris.

Dean was a lifelong resident of Marceline, MO, graduating MHS in 1956 where he enjoyed being a Marceline Tiger and even crowned Marcello King as a Senior. There is even some grumblings of a 'gang', with jackets and firecracker, but, ask Jim Lisac or Lyle Wood for more details on that (ha!). After HS he worked at Westfall's in KC and later joined the US Army, based in El Paso, TX. That's where he met his Lucy! They married, after only five short months, because they couldn't take kissing by the rocks any longer (ha)! After his service the couple moved to Marceline to start their family. Dena was adopted in 1969. God wasn't done blessing them yet, just six years later, God completed their family when their niece, Missy, joined their home, after her mother Eileen's passing. The girls grew together and flourished, becoming not only sisters, but best of friends! Dean was pleased to welcome their husbands into the family. And over the years he was proud of them for being hardworking, faithful, loving husbands and fathers. But nothing gave him more happiness than his five beautiful grandchildren! He prayed for them daily and was so proud of them and enjoyed their times spent together. He worked at Moore Fans until he opened Green Hills Steel Fabricating, where he is famous for his wood stoves and stock racks! Business changed so he switched to full-time cattle farmer and ran the ring at many sale barns - Brookfield, New Cambia, Lollies, Chillicothe and Green City - many while his father Charley, was Auctioneer! That took a toll on his body, so Dean was happy to return to Moore Fans where he celebrated 25 years and retired in 2013 at age 76. Retirement sounds easy, but just four short months later, he returned to Moore Fans part-time, because he was bored (ha). They welcomed him with open arms and he continued the work he loved, while spending time with his coworkers that had become more like family! He retired for good in 2015, to care for his wife Lucy, until she passed in 2017. Life changed so much and Alzheimers reared it's ugly head unfortunately. Dean required complete care for him and his home, so Logan jumped in with love to help, until joining the Air Force in 2019. They filled their time with old westerns, hunting/fishing shows and fried chicken (ha)! They both cherished those moments for sure!As you can see, Dean's work ethic was unprecedented! But he was a lot of fun too! He enjoyed being in the outdoors, hunting and fishing; hosting prayer meetings; served as Mayor of Marceline for two terms; cheered for the Tigers weekly with the 'Rowdy Crowd'; was an active member of St Bonaventure Church and proud member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 264; enjoyed showing off his smooth dance moves at local dances with dear friends; playing cards, boggle or yahtzee till dawn; drinking a cold Budweiser while watching his beloved Chiefs; losing at the casino with Lucy and drinking coffee with the locals at King's & County Line! Dean's laugh, whistle and "shit eatin' grin", as his girls call it, will be greatly missed! He was humble and generous! He'd help anyone in need! He was tough, but kind in the most unassuming way. He was a consummate gentleman, lived his faith and showed by example that God was his Lord and Savior!

It was unfortunate that after a spell in 2019, he moved to Pioneer. No one ever dreams of nursing home living, but oh what a blessing this would turn out to be for Dean! The staff quickly loved him and he them! They caught on to his ornery, playful sense of humor quickly, then joined in and egged him on daily! They were loving, caring, patient, concerned, wonderful and dedicated care givers! They loved seeing his smile, hearing him sing many tunes, but especially, "Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way!" (ha) and, of course, his famous, sometimes annoying, whistle! He loved the staff! He became 'at home' there! He participated in the activities, lived for his daily popcorn time, loved all the visitors, his personalized meals and he rarely missed his beer at Friday Happy Hour! Covid changed everything. He had always looked forward to his daily visits from his sister, Ruth! She'd hold his hands and fill him in on all the latest! They got an ipad which allowed FaceTime for the residents. It was such a blessing, because just the phone had become confusing for him. And when his mind/body slipped, he lived for the moments of love and laughter from the beloved staff! In the end, they gathered around him, blessed him with last rights and held his hand as he passed peacefully. Tears were shed, in happiness that he was no longer hurting and, in sadness, because their friend was now gone. His spirit will be greatly missed, but remembered by all! So the family wants his friends, near and far, to remember him with a smile, an act of kindness in his name or just a cold one to reminisce about the good ol' days! We appreciate all the love, support, visits, cards, food, snacks and gifts dad received after Mom's passing. And finally, rest in peace Dad/Pop! The World will not be as bright without you! We will honor you daily through our lives and we hope you and mom are dancing in Heaven! 2+7 Dad ~ 7+11 Pop ~ and 1!

Funeral arrangements are pending until his grandson, Logan Tubbs, who is Active-Duty Air Force, is able to come home. Once set, a Mass of Christian Burial/Memorial will be held at St Bonaventure Catholic Church, Marceline, with the burial with Military Honors at St. Bonaventure Cemetery. The family requests no flowers, food or concrete/granite statuaries. They long to hear your memories of Dean, so please sign the 'guestbook' at delaneyfuneralhome.com and share your stories. It will later be turned into a book for the family to cherish! Photos, cards and memorials (to: Fr McCartan School Lunch Program) can be mailed to Delaney Funeral Home, 1720 N. Missouri Ave, Marceline, MO 64658 or Dena Edgar Tubbs, 428 E Walker St, Marceline, MO 64658 or ([email protected]).

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Published by Linn County Leader on Jan. 4, 2021.