Dean was born on July 15, 1962 to Vera and Leslie Nicks. He grew up on his family farm in Owensville, Missouri where he developed a life-long passion for the outdoors. Dean met the love of his life, Diane, while working on her grandfather’s farm. It was love at first sight, and the two were married shortly thereafter. Together Dean and Diane attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where Dean obtained his Bachelors of Science in Biology.
Dean was a dedicated outdoorsman, working and spending his free time in nature. Dean worked at the Missouri Department of Conservation for 25 years conducting fisheries research. His social schedule was planned around the turkey and deer hunting seasons. In 1985 he even became a part of the Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club. Dean was generous in his knowledge of the outdoors, passing down his wisdom not just to his daughters, but also to any others who were eager to learn.
Dean was also a master carpenter. His memory is survived by the many pieces of beautiful furniture he crafted for friends and family. A dedicated and stoic man, no task was too great for Dean. He embraced even the most demanding situations with courage and grace.
Throughout his life Dean worked to provide for his family and create a better world to live in. He loved his daughters, Eva and Hannah, dearly. Spending time with his granddaughters, Hazel and Adella, brought him so much joy.
Dean is survived by his daughters Eva and Hannah, granddaughters Hazel and Adella, and brother Todd. He is preceded in death by his wife Diane and parents Vera and Leslie Nicks.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 14 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia.
The celebration of the Catholic funeral rite will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 15 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Chris Cordes presiding. A committal service will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).
