Michael R. Dean, 62 of Weston, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2023. The son of Mary Ann and George Dean, Michael was a father, brother, friend, veteran, master chef, hunter, woodworker, and legendary fisherman. Well, sort of. There was never a man better at spending so much money on fishing equipment, yet notoriously never bringing home a big enough catch. At least, never in the presence of his four skeptical daughters. Michael was a man who not only danced to the beat of his own drum but carried around a full 7-piece band full of shimmy and beat, always encouraging others to sing along. Michael worked tirelessly and was severely underpaid in his full-time role as a father, but always “grinned and bared it”, often quoted as saying, “God blessed me with four daughters. I’ve got a straight ticket to heaven after living my life in hell.” He most certainly did. Michael had many great loves in his life, but none greater than his four girls: Hannah Dean Lataille, Sarah Garfield, Rachel Dean, and Rebecca Dean. He eventually gained two sons, Thomas and Julian - after a lifetime of dreaming, only overlooking the fact that neither of them had any interest in hunting or fishing.
He is survived by his four daughters; sister Paula Cronk (husband Robert) and brother Roger Dean; nieces and nephews James McBride (wife Leslie), Somer McBride (husband Anthony and children, Hudson and Connor), David Cronk, Mary Ann Birch (children, Aubrey and Jackson), Robert Cronk (wife Kaitlyn), Elizabeth Heintzelman (husband Tyler), Georgia Lynn Dean, Marie Dean (child Lucius), and Hunter Dean.
As a jack of all trades, he reinvented himself many times as a working professional. He served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, became a distinguished salesman, and later in life, returned to government work as a technology and logistics expert. Michael added vibrancy to the lives of others, a selfless man who surprisingly detested more than anything being confined in a room full of people, no matter the celebration or occasion. Yet, it would be an understatement to say that Michael Dean merely occupied a space when he managed to fill it with so much belly-shaking laughter.
Michael Dean lived a short life more loved than most lived. He held titles of Pops, UMO, “Bug Man”, Elvis, and the most important: Fishing King… I mean, Dad. Because of his irrational fear of suits and formal events, the family will hold a non-traditional service celebrating the life of Michael Dean. We kindly ask that you attend wearing attire that represents your favorite “Michael Dean” Era, please leave your suit and tie at home. (Unless, of course, you are opting for his Thomas Register era).
Michael’s celebration of life will be held at Vaughn Funeral Home, 18905 St. Rt. 45 North Weston, MO 64098 on Saturday, December 15, 2023, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pmIn lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to help support Michael’s two youngest daughters during this sudden season of loss and transition. Checks can be forwarded to Sarah Garfield or communicated further.
