Robert L. Dean

Robert, (Bob) Dean of Lee’s Summitt MO was born in Harrison, Arkansas to Norris Hugh Dean and Viola (Turnbull) Dean. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marilyn, his sister, Shirley and her spouse, Merrill.

Upon graduation from UCM in Warrensburg, MO, Bob earned his Master’s degree at the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). While there, he wrote a play called “Ivan the Terrible” for his Master’s thesis that was produced by the Theater Department performed at UMKC. An actor, the costume designer and the Director worked on this for their Master’s degree. An extra performance was added to accommodate those who wanted to see the play.

Shortly after he accepted a position at the University of Iowa to work on another play, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) called and offered him an NDEA fellowship. Bob got released from the University of Iowa and took the fellowship at UCSB. This was better for Marilyn too because Iowa City had no SSA office and Santa Barbara did. Bob’s first position was at University of Michigan, Kalamazoo, and then in Seattle, Washington.

In Colorado, he became Program Director of the Colorado Wagner Society. He started a Publishing Company that published fine books with original art by Colorado Artists. He also worked with the Colorado Ballet to publish books of works they performed. Two pieces of art from these books were each displayed on a three-story building in downtown Denver. These books can be found throughout the world. 

He was a Lecturer in English, Literature, Film and Opera. He also published poetry. Because of his love of Opera, his Master’s Thesis was a study of Shakespeare and Verdi’s Falstaff. He had a radio program to review and play Opera recordings.

He is survived by his niece, Judy Adams, his nephew Jim Hartman and many great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 28th at 3:30 PM at Park Lawn Cemetery.

A reception and remembrance service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Alzheimer’s Foundation in memory of Robert Dean. Go to alz.org to donate or send a check to Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS, 66203. Donations are tax deductible (Federal ID 13-3039601)