Dean Gentry

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Clovis ‘Dean’ Gentry was born August 1, 1935, in Stella, Missouri, at his grandparent's home, the son of Charles Anderson and Edna Juanita (Eaton) Gentry. On November 4, 2021, he entered into rest in the comfort of his home at the age of 86. 

Dean was a graduate of Fairview High School, class of 1953, and a graduate of the University of Missouri with a master's degree in electrical engineering. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, 1959 – 1963. He served in research and development in the Air Force and then completed a twenty-four-year career with McDonnell Douglas. 

While working at McDonnell Douglas, his most outstanding achievement was his work on the F-18 Hornet from conception to production. Dean was a member of Jones Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and served as a deacon. He loved to teach and research scripture for adult Bible study. He also had a strong commitment to sharing Jesus with others and supporting missionaries. He enjoyed fishing and loved playing farmer and working his cattle herd. 

Dean met his future wife, Elva Jo Grigery, at college at the Baptist student union, and they were married on August 10, 1957, at Piedmont, Missouri, and she survives of the home. 

In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by four children, Thomas Gentry and wife, Debbie of Maumelle, Arkansas, Laura Stupperich and husband, Mike, Charley Gentry and Mary Blewett and husband, Michael, all of Fairview, Missouri and eight grandchildren, Sarah Pool and husband, Ethan, Jeremy Stupperich and wife, Angie, Lauren Lightle and husband, Joe, Melissa Stimpson and husband, Jacob, Gregory Gentry and wife, Hayley, Jenna Gentry, Jessica Harrington and husband, Brett and Jonathan Blewett and seven great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents.