Ronald David "RD" Dean

Ronnie “RD” Dean, 74, of Tecumseh, passed away peacefully at his Tecumseh home on Sunday, December 21, 2025, after his brief stint with cancer. He was born January 24, 1951, to James A. and Ruth M. Dean of Shawnee, Oklahoma.

RD grew up in the South Rock Creek area of Shawnee where he was a member of South Rock Creek Baptist Church and attended South Rock Creek Elementary School until 8th grade. He finished at Shawnee Public Schools, graduating in 1969 from Shawnee High School. After graduating, RD briefly attended Oklahoma State University and was a member of the Air National Guard. He earned his multi-engine pilot’s license and loved flying his twin engine Cessna Turbo and often dreamed of getting back to the skies. RD worked for Southwestern Bell for 20+ years. Afterwards, he began his career in lawn care. He was the owner of RD Dean, Professional Lawn Care. He took great pride in his lawns and helped keep Shawnee well-manicured for 30+ years.

RD was the proud father of Chad Dean, born June 15, 1973. RD and Chad shared a similar sense of humor, and both showed the same kindness for others. RD married Janise Rigg on June 1, 1991. Upon their marriage, RD was blessed with three bonus kids: Eric, Angela, and Amanda Rigg. He was a wonderful father who took them on as his own. He was also a loving and devoted grandfather and cherished every moment he spent with his family. 

RD was preceded in death by his wife Janise Rigg-Dean; parents, James and Ruth Dean; son, Chad Dean; nephew, Justin Dean, and both maternal and paternal grandparents. 

Those left to cherish his memory are son, Eric Rigg and wife DeeAnn of Bayfield, Colorado; daughters, Angela Rigg and husband Jimmy Childers of Tecumseh, and Amanda and Artie Effinger, of Shawnee; brothers, Steve Dean and Allen Dean of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Josie (spouse Dustin), Nicki, Sophie, Lilly, Ava Jo, Konnar, Mason, Kennedy, Blaine (spouse Julie), Blake and Savanna; great grandchildren: Ollie, Archie, Easton and Weston, as well as numerous others including his nephews, nieces, and other extended family and friends. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.