Billy F. “Bill” Dean, 85, of De Soto died April 6, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Dean retired from Bud Anderson Ford as their body shop manager. He also had his own body/auto repair shop and an excavating company. He was a member of First Baptist Church in De Soto. Born June 6, 1940, in Black Rock, Ark., he was the son of the late Odst and Marvella (Anderson) Dean.
He is survived by his wife: Kathleen “Kathy” (Kamuf) Dean of De Soto, whom he married on May 27, 1960; two children: Kevin (Louisa) Dean of Affton and Duwain (Gina) Dean of Union; grandchildren: Spencer Dean, Ben (Mackenzie) Dean, Cortnie (Will) Hulett, Taylor (Blake) Chapman and Taylor’s mother Stacy, Alex Dean and Gabby (Andrew) Olejnik; great-grandchildren: Ava, Carter, Sparrow, Evie, Conscious, Phoenix, Scarlet, Willie, Amori and one more on the way; a sibling: Gene (Judy) Dean of St. Charles; and a sister-in-law: Peggy Dean of Lesterville; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Paula (Brian) Cochran; and three brothers: Jerry Dean, Stan Dean and Nippy Dean.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at First Baptist Church, 2000 Grace Way, in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.