James Franklin Dean 90, of Nevada, departed this life on Thursday April 2, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO after a sudden illness.
James was born February 6, 1929 the son of Robert S. and Irene (Wilhoite) Dean in Horton, MO. James grew up in Horton and graduated from Metz High School in 1947. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corp in 1951 and was a veteran of the Korean War. After his honorable discharge James returned to Horton where he purchased a lime truck and hauled lime for several years. James was united in marriage with Doris J. Phipps on November 13, 1954. Shortly thereafter he sold the lime truck and purchased his own grain truck and trailer, for which he owned and operated for many years. Also during this time he maintained a farm consisting of cattle, hogs and row crops. In later years he sold the grain truck and trailer to focus on his two main passions, his family and cattle farming.
James was born February 6, 1929 the son of Robert S. and Irene (Wilhoite) Dean in Horton, MO. James grew up in Horton and graduated from Metz High School in 1947. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corp in 1951 and was a veteran of the Korean War. After his honorable discharge James returned to Horton where he purchased a lime truck and hauled lime for several years. James was united in marriage with Doris J. Phipps on November 13, 1954. Shortly thereafter he sold the lime truck and purchased his own grain truck and trailer, for which he owned and operated for many years. Also during this time he maintained a farm consisting of cattle, hogs and row crops. In later years he sold the grain truck and trailer to focus on his two main passions, his family and cattle farming.
Those two things remained his main focus until the end of his days. James will be remembered for his hard work, devotion, and love for his family and farm. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Doris J. Dean; son, Jim (Ronda) Hardin; two daughters, Linda (Marty) Hoffman and Deena McVay, all of Nevada: seven grandchildren, Dwayne Hardin and family, Traci Cliffman and family, Jamie Anderson and family, Kendal Hoffman and family, Amanda Stair and family, Alana Williams and family, and Ashton Boles and family; several great grandchildren; extended family and many special friends.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Irene W. Johnson and father Robert S. Dean. Private graveside services with Military Rites will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in the Marvin Chapel Cemetery, Milo, MO.