Dean Booher

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Jerry “Dean” Booher was a humble man who never wanted much attention drawn to himself. He would likely have preferred a simple acknowledgment rather than an elaborate tribute. But a life spent quietly making a difference in the lives of others deserves to be remembered.

Dean was born October 10, 1937, in a farmhouse in Allerton, Iowa, to Eldon Cole Booher and Mary Gertrude Forster Booher. He grew up alongside his brother, Gary Joe, and sister, Zeta "Carolyn" Curtis. He attended school in Lineville, Iowa, graduating from Lineville High School in 1955. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and his Master of Arts degree in 1960 from Kirksville State Teachers College, now Truman State University.

Education became the foundation of Dean’s life's work. In 1960, he began teaching biology and coaching girls’ basketball in the Allerton, Clio, and Lineville communities of Iowa. His career in education spanned four decades and included serving as a principal in Allerton and Wayne Community in Corydon, Iowa, as well as Centerville, Iowa, and Joplin, Missouri. He also served as director of Head Start programs across five counties and worked in insurance at Citizen State Bank in Corydon before returning to the classroom as a biology teacher. He retired in 2001 as an elementary principal in Joplin, Missouri.

Dean was a natural leader, but never one who needed recognition or a title to define him. He believed in looking after people, especially those who needed someone in their corner. He consistently put the needs of others before his own. He was clever, honest, and deeply caring, with a quiet way of making people feel that they mattered. His greatest contributions were not measured by positions held or accomplishments listed on a résumé, but by the lives he touched and the people he stood up for along the way.

On December 30, 1962, Dean married Joyce Ann Lutze in Lineville, Iowa. Together they built a family and welcomed three sons: Chad, born November 26, 1963; Todd, born July 28, 1966; and Jason, born May 22, 1973.

Their family grew to include Chad's wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Samantha, Jaerie, and Serena; Todd's wife, Kristin, and their children, Garrett, Hannah, and Madison; and Jason's wife, Katy, and their daughter, Sophia. Dean was blessed with nine great grandchildren who added immeasurable joy to his life.

Dean loved his family deeply, but his devotion to Joyce was something truly special. Even in his final hours, his concern remained with her and whether she would be safe and well cared for. He stayed by her side until his wedding ring was removed. Then, in a moment that seems so fitting for the man he was, he waited until Joyce was distracted, sharing a moment of laughter and giggles with their granddaughter. Just moments after his ring was removed, Dean took his final breaths. Whether by intention or simply the quiet timing of life's final moments, it was as though he had waited until he knew Joyce was surrounded by love and in good hands before finally letting go. It was one final expression of a lifetime spent putting the people he loved before himself.

Outside of his work and family, Dean enjoyed golf, baseball, reading about history, and conquering crossword puzzles, but definitely not the easy ones! He appreciated a good challenge, a clever solution, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Dean passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, surrounded by his family and at peace with his passing. Never one to invite attention or fuss, and in keeping true to Dean's humble spirit, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A simple, private gathering of family will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Dean's memory through acts of kindness toward children. Advocate for a child who cannot advocate for themselves. Listen to a child who needs to feel heard. Simply sit with a child who is hurting. Be the person who shows up when a child needs someone. Dean spent much of his life in education and leadership, and there could be no more fitting tribute than extending that same care and compassion to a child in need.

For those who wish to make a financial contribution, a memorial scholarship has been established in Dean's name at Southwest Missouri Bank. The scholarship will support a Joplin High School graduate who is a member of the golf team with plans to pursue a career in education.

Dean may not have wanted a fuss made over him, but the lessons he leaves behind are worth carrying forward. His life reminds us that we do not have to seek recognition to make a difference, that we should look out for those who need us, and that sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply show up for someone else. That is how Dean lived and that is how we can best honor his memory.

Cremation services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Webb City, Missouri.