Dean Tyrone Dukes, 60, of Kansas City died March 1, 2023. Mr. Dukes, who was a Christian, attended Crystal City High School and later graduated from the St. Louis Job Corps as a certified chef, cooking from that moment forward. He was a well-traveled model and performer, featured in the Operation Grassroots Spring Fashion Show and starring as Michael Jackson in a production of “Thriller” staged in Crystal City. He received many awards as a performer in Tallahassee, Fla. before finding his way to Kansas City. In addition to being a fashion trendsetter, he enjoyed movies, playing games, reading his bible, making jokes, and spending time with family, friends, and pets. He is remembered as loyal, protective, honest, compassionate and sometimes unpredictable. Born Jan. 31, 1963, he was the third of 10 children of the late Charlene Evelyn Brown.
He is survived by seven siblings: Donald Rodney (Sharon) Dukes, Douglas Terrance (Casey) Dukes, Darla Flavies Dukes, Doreen Faith Dukes, Roslyn Michele Brown, Rolitta Marlene (Albert II) Brown Spicer and Roger Matthew Brown; a sister-in-law: Regina Brown; his stepfather: Robert Michael Brown Sr.; five aunts: Lillie Mae “China” (Charles) Dukes Mitchell, Alva Jane (Dukes) Brock, Iris Babs (Dukes) Blanks, Brenda Barran and Pearl Dukes; an uncle: Felix Walter “Buddy “ (Lucretia) Dukes; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Walter and Flavis Dukes; two brothers: Robert Michael Brown Jr. and Kwaisi Ares Brown; four uncles: Theodore Lloyd Barran (Dukes), Melvin Gene Dukes, Curtis Blanks Sr. and Michael Brock Sr.; and an aunt: Loretta Flavadale Dukes.