Dean Leon McClanahan, 84, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (June 28, 2011) at the University of Missouri Hospital & Clinics in Columbia, Missouri.

The son of Leo and Flossie May (Rigdon) McClanahan, he was born April 11, 1927 in Kirksville, Missouri. On April 23, 1945, Dean was united in marriage to Gladys Lucille Loft who preceded him in death on January 12, 1963.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two grandson’s, Benjamin McClanahan and Madison McClanahan; a son-in-law, Weldon Ruebel; seven brothers, Rhodney Murrell, Gale, Marlen, Eldon, Waldo, Aaron and Perry McClanahan and two sisters, Thelma Netterfield and Elizabeth Treasure.

Dean is survived by two sons, Dana McClanahan and friend Linda Macharaschwili both of Valparaiso, IN and Karl Drue McClanahan and wife Diane of Wanatah, IN; two daughters and sons-in-law, Deanna and Frank Matheney of Kirksville, MO and Janet and Donnie Waybill of Green Castle, MO; one sister, Vera Winkleman; twelve grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren, Derek Ruebel (Tami) & Shelby and Blake Barber, Christopher Ruebel (Dorothy) & Jessica Hennessey and Brandon Ruebel, Tim Matheney & Journey and Siearra Matheney, Gelana (Kevin) McCloud & Matthew, Isiaha, Halley and Chance, Shuan Klingsmith (Rebecca) & Ashley, Whitney, Paige Marrs, Justin and Jenna Klingsmith, Christie Manning (Gregg) & Austin, Payton, Alex & Bode Manning, Kristen McClanahan & Elisa, Nathan, Blaze, Keenan and Ehren, Erin McClanahan and friend, Jennifer (Mark) England & Mark II and Zoe, Sarah McClanahan, Tara McClanahan & Carter and Cameron and Zachary McClanahan.

Dean was a graduate from Brashear High School and went on to receive a Masters Degree at Kirksville State Teachers College. He served his country in the United States Marines. After being honorably discharged, Dean returned home and began his teaching career where he taught at Salsibury, Hurdland, Pacific, MO, Puerto Rico, Washington Township, IN as well as East Gary, IN. He later was employed as a bookkeeper for Landgrebe Trucking, Party Mart, NEMO Recycling and at the time of his death, for Westbury Estates.

His hobbies included music, flowers, computers, old classic cars (especially his red convertible), birds, sewing and was an avid lover of the computer age. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and working on family genealogy. At a young age, Dean enjoyed singing with the Sun Rise Quartet.

Dean was a member of the East Center Church of Kirksville.

Dean’s wish was to be cremated and a memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday (July 1, 2011) with family receiving friends one hour before in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Pastor John Davison will officiate the service and Dean will be interred at a late date at East Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Center Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.