Richard Dean

Brig. Gen. Richard D. Dean

SEDALIA — Brigadier General Richard D. Dean (U.S. Army, Ret.) 86, of Sedalia, died Friday, April 8, 2016 at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

Dick was born May 27, 1929 to Harold F. Dean and Agnes S. Dean in Sedalia, Missouri. On September 13, 1952 he was married to Virginia "Ginna" Dillender.

Dick graduated from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia. At the age of 12, he joined Boy Scout Troop 54, and at age 14 became an Eagle Scout. He then earned and received four Palms over the next two years. He attended the University of Missouri receiving his bachelor degree in Business, and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Dick was President of Dean Construction Company in Sedalia from 1954 until October 1982. He had over forty years experience in executive leadership and management in private industry and the military. His executive experience included serving as President of his own construction company as well as an extended Pentagon tour of duty at the National Headquarters of the Army National Guard.

His military career included serving in the 45th Division in Korea from July 1953 to March 1954, Executive Officer/ Commander of C Btry., 128th FA Bn. (Jun.54 to Jan.60), Staff Officer, 2nd Bn. 128th FA Bn. (Jan.60 to Jun.62), Executive Officer 128th FA Bn. (Jun.62 to Apr.63), Communications Officer, 135th Artillery Gp. (Apr.63 to Dec.63), Executive Officer/Commander 128th FA Bn. (Dec.63 to Mar.73), Executive Officer, 135th FA Brigade (Mar.73 to Jan.75, Commander, 135th FA Brigade 9 Jan.75 to Jan.78, Student, National War College (Jun.78 to Jun.79), Commanding General, 35th Engineer Brigade (Jun.79 to Oct.82), Deputy Director, United States Army National Guard (Oct.82 to Aug.86 and Acting Director, United States Army National Guard (Aug.86 to Jun.87).

Dick received many decorations and badges over the course of his career including the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest peacetime award of the Army, which is awarded for "Exceptionally Meritorious Service in a Duty of Great Responsibility".

Dick was very active and his many memberships included: American MENSA Limited, Board of Directors and 1 term President of the National Guard Association of Missouri, National Guard Association of the United States, and served on the Board, two term Club President and Board of Directors for 6 years at the Sedalia Country Club, life member of the VFW, American Legion, NRA and the National Eagle Scout Association. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and was a past member of the Finance Committee.

Dick is survived by his wife, Ginna, and children Richard Dean, Jr. and his wife Susan, Cheryl Kleppe and her husband Devin, Andrew Dean; and a sister Dorothy D. Fagot. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Mark Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Church or the Children's Therapy Center, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.