Russell Monroe Dean, 89, of Springfield, passed away Sep. 11, 2021 from complications of dementia. He was born on March 24, 1932 at Rayburn, the son of James and Ethel (Lathrom) Dean. He was one of six children. Russell served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he drove a supply train. Returning home, he married Chrystal Tate; they lived in Kansas City and Rawlins, Wyo. before moving back to take over the family farm operations. After selling the farm, they moved to Springfield owning rental property and selling real estate. He also owned and operated a Christmas tree farm and a you pick berry farm. Russell loved the outdoors, hunting and traveling. He rode his motorcycle in 49 of the 50 states. He accepted Jesus as his Savior on July 2, 2002 and was baptized in 2010. Russell was proceeded in death by his parents; and siblings, Ralph Dean, Alvin Dean, Essie Rice and Parthenia Bickford. He is survived by his three children, James R. Dean, Fair Grove;, Jeanette D. Iler, Springfield; Jerry A. Dean, Springfield; two granddaughters, Angela Iler, Huntington Beach, Calif., and Brooke Moore, Springfield; and one brother, Marshall Dean.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sep.16, 2021 at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Ltd. DeGraffenreid – Wood Crematory. Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Friday, Sep. 17, 2021 at Green Mountain Cemetery, Mountain Grove.
