"I am sorry to think of Richard gone. He took care of my lawn and shrubbery and functioned as handyman for years, having promised that it would be high quality work. It always was, as he knew a lot about many things, admired fine craftsmanship, and was determined to follow suit himself. He was such an admirable, interesting man, and very proud of his family. My condolences, Elizabeth Hays"
In loving memory of
Richard E. Dean
January 8, 1925 - January 8, 2016
Richard Edgar Dean, 91, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Friday, January 8, 2016, at the Iowa Veterans Home, in Marshalltown. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at the Iowa Veterans Home Chapel, in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m., until the time of the services. Inurnment will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in his name. The Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 W. Main St., Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
Richard was born January 8, 1925 to Henry Clay and Rebecca Jane (LaRue) Dean III, in Coatsville, MO. He graduated from Livonia High School, in Livonia, MO. Richard was married to Mary Frances Clayton on November 17, 1951 and the marriage later ended in divorce. They made their home in Grinnell. Richard served his country in the United States Army during WWII in the Japanese theater. He was employed with the Grinnell School System for 38 years. He resided in Albion from 2001 until he moved to the Iowa Veterans Home in 2009. Richard was a member of the Grinnell American Legion and the Grinnell Christian Church. He loved walking, lawn work, and was a Handy Man.
Richard will be missed by two daughters; Barbara Smith of San Pablo, CA, Catherine (Dale) Harding of Albion, IA, two sons; Alan (Carol) Dean of Melbourne, IA, Edwin (Sandi) Dean of Ankeny, IA, seven grandchildren; Amanda Kay (Brian) Minser, Curtis Allen Dean, Henry Clay (Jade) Dean, Jennifer Mary (Steve) Lesher, Sarah Rebecca Mattingly and fianc, Travis, Joshua Dean Harding, Hannah Jo Harding and fianc, Darin, and fifteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, special friend Mary Clayton Dean, four brothers and two sisters.
Tributes
"To Richard's family, Please accept my condolences on the death of your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Starting in the mid-80s, when he helped me find one of my wandering cats, Richard kept my garden in beautiful shape for a couple of decades. He was always full of ideas--mostly good!--about how the garden could be better taken care of or improved. And he was a very hard worker. I also enjoyed talking to him about all kinds of subjects. He was definitely his own man! In sympathy, Elizabeth Dobbs"
"So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. What a genuine article! We will have many very fond memories seeing him around Grinnell mowing lawns as well as good food shared with him and Mary, stories shared AND stories told. He was such a gentle soul. Mike and Ronda Geurts "