Dean was raised in Appleton City and graduated Appleton City High School in 1968. Following graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and worked on the family farm. Although retired his love for the land and cattle remained true. He actively rented his property out for crops. He was an active member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.
Dean moved to Adrian in 1980 where he would start his family. His two daughters Shannon Marie and Deana Gayle were the light of his life and would remain so all the days of his life, followed by his precious grandkids: Bryant Dean, Hunter Dale and Mckenzi Ashton. Dean spent endless hours following football, basketball, cattle shows, and countless other activities that his kids or grandkids participated in. During his time in Adrian, he was member of the Adrian Optimist Club and also served for several years as an Alderman for the City of Adrian. He worked tirelessly to help and bring new opportunities to his community until he moved back to Appleton City in 1999.
Dean was baptized into the Church of Christ and was actively attending the Butler Church of Christ until his passing. Dean was known to many as loyal, honest, true friend with a heart of gold. He was the first to offer a helping hand, bring a meal, give you a dollar or even the very shirt off his back. He stood strong in his faith and was a great example to so many.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Vernalee Hawkins, twin granddaughters Hensley and Haisley Self and brother-in-law Cliff Creach. He is survived by his daughters Shannon (Carl) Burkes and Deana (Tim) Self; grandsons Bryant Burkes and Hunter (Hailey) Self and granddaughter Mckenzi Self all of Adrian, MO. One sister Sue Creach and one brother Jimmy Hawkins of Appleton City. Niece Lisa (Loren) Bolton of Appleton City along with a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews and many great friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Appleton City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday June 24th from 10am-11am with funeral to follow at the Hill & Sons Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri.
