BEARL G. DEAN

Bearl Gray Dean, 93, of Raymore, MO passed away February 7, 2016 at Foxwood Springs Living Center surrounded by his loving family. Funeral service will be 11 AM Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Raymore Christian Church 500 Peace Dr., Raymore, MO with visitation 6-8 PM Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the Fellowship of John i/c of Foxwood Springs Living Center. Bearl was born October 12, 1922 in Gunn City, Missouri, the son of Thomas and Nellie (Gray) Dean. Bearl was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Maxine Dean in 2010; brother, Earl Dean; sisters, Merle Mott, Faye Henry, Mary Vina Stewart, Esther Plank, Willia Kenagy, Eula Mae Franklin and Margie Gragert. He is survived by his brother, Jessie Dean; children, Dick and wife Linda, Bearl, Jr. and wife Terry, Leo and wife Kathy, Gary and wife Brenda, Jeff and wife Debbie, Joyce Burton and husband Ha; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bearl Gray was born in Gunn City minutes after his identical twin Earl, being the final piece to the loving Tommy Dean farm family. As a child, the family lived on the edge of Gunn City and Bearl would hike four miles across local pastures to visit his grandmother, Granny Gray, for whom he carried on the Gray family name. After living two years in Latour as an early teen, he helped the family move their belongings by horse drawn wagons to Raymore. The thirty-five mile trip took two days across spring thawed gravel roads with one especially challenging Koller Hill, near Harrisonville; this particular hill required double the horse power to reach the summit. Admirable work for the 14 year old Bearl and his twin brother Earl, but hard work was a part of his DNA. He enjoyed showing livestock and once had a champion mule that was never beaten. Bearl married the only love in his life Maxine Kurzweil in 1947 and soon started a family. In 1952 he moved his young family to the edge of Raymore on 58 Highway. The family and farm thrived at this location, and Bearl started expanding his role in the community. He was a 4-H leader; helped establish the Raymore Christian Church; served on the Raymore-Peculiar School Board; aided in building the Raymore Memorial Park and later served as Chairman of the Raymore 1972 Centennial; contributed to the formation of the Community Bank of Raymore and was appointed to the board of directors until he retired at the age of 91. Admirable work for a father, loyal friend, community servant, and faith filled follower of his Christian beliefs, which guided his principals and moral character to the core of his being.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278