It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Gene Dean, of Springfield, Missouri, who departed this life peacefully on January 23, 2026, in Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 93.

Bob was born on October 6, 1932, in Protem, Missouri to Albert and Lillia Dean. Bob was a dedicated husband to Joyce, his loving wife of 69 years, and a devoted father to Barbara Long and Ronnie Dean (Melinda). He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, Brandon, Chad, Matthew, Casey, Darren, Nichole, and Jessica and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his sister, Maxine Patton; 3 sisters-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Lillia Dean; brothers, Tilford and wife, Nina Dean; RB and wife, Ruby Dean; sisters, Erma and Woodrow Dotson and Hazel Simpson; three brothers-in-law, Doyle Patton, Art Land, and David Cole; three sisters-in-law, Zella Brazeal, Annette Russell, and Diane Russell; nephew, Greg Patton and nieces Amy Parker and Amber Hardin.

Bob worked for the MFA Packing Division for 20+ years, the Paul Muller Company in the maintenance department for 20+ years and retired from both companies. Not really knowing what to do with all of his "free" time after retirement, he got a job at the 166 Auto Auction "part-time" until he was 85 years old--where he retired again.

Bob and Joyce loved going camping and taking trips in their RV. They traveled to almost all of the southern and western states in the United States. It was a highlight of their life together and they talked about the places they saw all the time.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He helped everyone in their time of need and people always said Bob was "such a nice man." He worked hard and fixed everything that needed to be taken care of on the house and their many vehicles.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 6, 2026 at Klingner Cope Funeral Home White Chapel with Rev. Garland McGath officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery.