Graduated 1957
Inducted 2018
As a senior captain, Dean helped his football Cardinals outscore their opponents 189-154 on the season. Several game articles from his high school career mention big touchdown receptions for Dean. A 75 yard touchdown catch against Carl Junction, 51 yards against Aurora and 50 yards against Monett.
After finishing as the fifth leading scorer in the Big 9 conference as a junior, Dean earned 2ndteam All-conference honors. He then led the conference in scoring as a senior with a 21.6 average, helping the Cardinals to a 19-5 overall record and a second place finish in the conference with a 6-2 record. Shooting 52% from the field and 69% from the free throw line, he was named to the All-Conference 1stteam and All-Southwest Missouri 2ndteam. A left handed center, he scored over 30 points at least 3 different times in his career.
Dean earned two silver medals at the state track meet as a senior. Clocking a time of 15.1 in the 120 yard dash and 50.1 in the 440 yard dash.
Dean was named by a vote of his classmates to receive the Webb City Babe Ruth Best Sportsmanship award. This award was given for displaying good sportsmanship in all phases of school life.
Dean then attended Joplin Junior College on a basketball scholarship, helping lead the Lions to the 1959 Insterstate Conference Championship.
After college he joined the National Guard for 6 years and then spent the next 30 years at ICI Explosives. He even delivered the Joplin Globe for over 40 years. Dean finished his career at the school district, working at Eugene Field Elementary for 12 years before retiring in 2010.
Dean has been married to Judy for 58 years and they have two daughters (DeAnn Benford and Julie Wilson), a grandson (Tyler) and three great grandchildren (Nathan, Olivia and Carly).
An ardent supporter of all Webb City Athletics, Dean has watched a girls softball, boys JV football game, boys soccer match and girls volleyball game all in the same day.