Orval Dean Mather, the son of Orval H. and Stella (Walker) Mather, was born on January 6, 1937, in Tarkio, Missouri. Dean attended Tarkio High School, graduating in 1955. On February 8, 1957, Dean was united in marriage to Shirley Schoonover at the Rock Port Lutheran Church, Rock Port, Missouri, and they had three children, Gale, Jeff and Curtis.

They made their home in the Tarkio/Rock Port area before moving to Los Angeles, California, in 1963 for a job opportunity. There, Dean worked for Siple Construction starting as dozer operator and advancing quickly to an estimator and then general manager. Dean was being groomed to take over as CEO of the company when in 1973 he chose to move his family back to Missouri so that his children could be near family and raised in an environment reflective of his values. The family settled in Rock Port and Dean owned and operated Dean Mather Construction Company. He dearly loved helping area farmers improve their land by building terraces, dams and other farm improvements. He continued to operate his dozer until he could no longer climb into the cab (circa 2012).

Dean professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and was a long-time member of the Rock Port Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. More recently, they began attending Linden Christian Church closer to their home. For many years, Dean led the singing at church and at the Pleasant View Nursing Home Sunday services.

Dean cherished time with his family and loved watching his children and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. When he wasn’t at the Northwest Bearcats’ football game, he was probably watching an old western movie on television or playing with his beloved dog, Buddy Boy. For many years Dean and Shirley spent the winters in Mesa, Arizona. Dean passed away at his home in Rock Port, surrounded by his loved ones, on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the age of 85.

Besides his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Betty (Dean) Freeman. Survivors include wife, Shirley; children, Gale (Terry) Spinks, St. Louis, Missouri, Jeff (Laura) Mather, Maryville, Missouri, and Curtis (LeAnn) Mather, Lebanon, Missouri; grandchildren, Brian (Kati) Spinks, Christy (Steve) Agrippino, Clay (Breanna) Mather, Caleb (Baylee) Mather, Justin Mather, Mitch (Sarah) Mather, and Cole (Bethany) Mather; great-grandchildren, Kobe, Wesley, Kolten, and Logan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service was held Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Linden Christian Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Bill Shirley. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society or Linden Christian Church, Rock Port. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences can be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.