Richard Dean

Richard Lee Dean Monticello - Richard Lee Dean, 85, of Monticello went to be with the Lord Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. He passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at the Monticello Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Dick was born April 8, 1940, in Monticello, a son of Leonard (Buck) and Bonnie (Frye) Dean. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Kallembach, on Aug. 27, 1961. She survives in Monticello. Also surviving are his daughter, Cindy Slack, and her husband, Chris, of Arcola; his son, Greg, and his wife, Brenda, of Manito; four grandchildren, Melissa Blackwell of Mattoon, Laura Chancellor and her husband, Bryan, of Arcola, Chet Dean and his wife, Rayanda (Rayanna) of Tremont, Carson Dean and his wife, Kylie, of Manito; nine great-grandchildren, William Blackwell, JC Blackwell, Hudson Kinney, Ava Chancellor, Brynn Chancellor, Colt Dean, Cooper Dean, Stetson Dean and Bryson Embry; two siblings, Deloris "Snooky" Adkins of Monticello and Ronnie Dean and his wife, Phyllis, of Monticello. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Charlie Adkins, and a niece, Dixie Dean. Dick was beloved by his family. Any time they needed his expertise with work around their house, he and Mary Ellen would be there on the spot. Much of his handiwork is still featured in the homes of his children and grandchildren. If they needed his help, he was there without fail and his work was always exemplary. Dick was a lifetime resident of Monticello, a hometown for a boy who could have never imagined living anywhere but Monticello. He went on to graduate from Monticello High School in 1958, where he was a key member of Coach Tom Young's Sages basketball team. He later played many years of Industrial League basketball in Decatur. He continued to play basketball and amazed his fellow players with his quickness and shooting ability even into his 50s. Dick graduated from Illinois Commercial College after studying Business. He then began working at A.E. Staley in Decatur directly out of college and remained there his entire working career in Group Products and as a tax accountant. He was employed there for 38 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement, he and Mary Ellen enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No one and nothing was more important to him than his family. He loved sports and was a faithful follower of the Monticello Sages throughout his life. He also loved to hunt with his father, son and father-in-law. He was a member of the Monticello Jaycees and was instrumental in helping build the first Monticello swimming pool. He thoroughly enjoyed following his children in their various school and sports activities. He would say each day, "We have to do something, even if it's wrong!" Dick was busy and enjoyed helping family and friends and will be dearly missed. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home in Monticello is handling arrangements on behalf of the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.