Gary “Dean” Whited, age 72, passed away at his home in Joplin, Mo. surrounded by his family on September 22, 2016. Dean bravely fought Alzheimer’s for over ten years and ultimately conquered death through the assurance of Jesus Christ.
Dean was born on March 7, 1944 in Joplin to Carl and Marie Whited. He grew up in southwest Missouri and was one of four children. Dean discovered early he had an entrepreneurial spirit, visionary woodworking ability, and extraordinary fondness for hats. He graduated Joplin High School in 1962 and attended Franklin Technology Center before going on to found and successfully operate Dean’s Custom Cabinets. Dean married the love of his life, Brenda Janet Bunce on November 14, 1980; and thankful to that partnership his business is still thriving today.
Dean was a member of the Elks Lodge and spent much of his time at Grand Lake. When not slaying monster bass, Dean was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. However, Dean considered his greatest accomplishment to be that of raising a family. Some of his favorite times were playing with grandchildren, watching a gentle sunset at his lake home, tending to his grand dog “Snoopy”, or simply enjoying the fleeting moments with his wife.
Dean is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Brenda; siblings Karlene, Karen and Rod; daughters Lisa Beckham and son-in-law Mike, Theresa Woods and son-in-law Tommy, Angela Cline, Jeanette Lawson and son-in-law Chris, and Melissa Kirby and son in law Joshua; twelve grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Dean will be remembered for possessing a tireless work ethic, quick wit, and tremendous business insight.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the mortuary.
Services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2016 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with Bobby Cooper, officiating. The grandsons serving as pallbearers are Troy Lawson, Tyler Lawson, Ben Beckham, Jon Beckham, Jack Beckham and Brian Bevis. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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