Robert "Bob" Deans

Bob was born on December 4, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Ralph and Nora Deans. Raised in College Hill, Ohio, he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially sailing, horses, and baseball, which remained passions throughout his life. He loved chocolate in any form, Deanston Scotch, opera, and playing tennis or squash. And he swam nearly every day of his life. He was an accomplished pianist and an amateur banjo player, and had a never-ending quest to try new things, from beekeeping to making his own wine from his own grapes.

Bob was a remarkable man from a humble background who lived an adventurous life. First in his family to go to college, he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from The Ohio State University. He began his long and dedicated career at Michigan State University in 1952, where he earned his PhD in Animal Science and served as a member of the faculty until his retirement in 1997. He was best known internationally for his public service in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. In addition to an extended period of service with MSU's advisory team at the University of Nigeria, he represented MSU in thirty-one professional international assignments, exploring the full range of the world's different livestock production systems. He was an acknowledged leader in the use of systems analysis techniques in solving animal production problems.

He had also been particularly innovative in developing unique educational experiences for undergraduate students, including the senior thesis, the Learning Corporation, the Flex Program, and the Kellogg Biological Station Rural Resource Program. He was also the proud recipient of the Alpha Zeta Outstanding Teacher Award and the College's Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award.

It was also at MSU where he would later marry his second wife, Dianne Knepshield, at the MSU Chapel in 2010.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Dianne; his children, Bob (Linda Walling) Deans, Nora Lynne (Jim) Hekkers, Meg (Rick) Harden, Tom (Gail) Deans, and Brian (Kim) Deans; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joy Brown, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage; his brother, Joseph Deans; and his parents, Ralph and Nora.

Bob’s wit, kindness, love of life and warm smile will be dearly missed by all who knew him.