Dean grew up in the Rockville area and attended Zion Lutheran School in Prairie City through the 8 th grade. He graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1971 where he was a member of the football team. Following high school, Dean served in the United States Air Force from 1971- 1974. Upon his return he attended CMSU in Warrensburg for a time and later graduated from MSSC in Joplin in 1991.
Dean worked at the Rockville Meat Company for a short time, and the Nevada Hab Center for 29 years until his retirement in 2009. His memberships included CMSU Beta Sigma Pi Fraternity, and SMCU Veterans Association. He was also a longtime member of the Church of Christ in Nevada.
Dean loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs and taking trips with his family. He loved his Lord and looked forward to church. Dean had a quiet and gentle nature, always loved spending
time with any or all family members.
He enjoyed listening to the buzz of family conversation, occasionally, inserting his dry sense of humor and quiet laugh. Dean loved to read, had a desire or knowledge, and remembered everything that he read.
In addition to his wife Shelli of the home, he is survived by one son, Devon Harkrader, Nevada; his mother, Lorna Harkrader, Rockville; one brother, Jerry Harkrader (Bobbie), Butler; five sisters, Wilma Griffith (Phil), St. Louis, MO, Mary Noyes (Shane), Vancouver, WA, Janet Nitchals (Alton), Butler, Vickie Fischer, Newark, DE, and Lisa Harkrader, St. Louis; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Church of Christ in Nevada with Bro. Dick Harris officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in
Moore Cemetery in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the Church of Christ.
Memorials are suggested in his name to the Church of Christ c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
