Dean was born on October 26, 1943, in Kansas City, MO to George Delbert Stith and Barbara Lee Stith (Henry) who were both originally from Marceline, MO. Dean graduated from Park Hill High School in 1961. He also graduated from the University of Missouri in 1968 with a dual major in Music Performance and Business. He married Susan Diane McGonegel in 1965 and they had 2 children, Spencer and Dana.
Dean loved music and technology. He was accomplished at vocal performance (baritone) and choral conducting. His career involved years spent as a music teacher, choral conductor, church music minister, business owner, sales professional, and IT professional.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joyce (Stith) Carroll.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Stith (McGonegel) of Kansas City, MO; his son, Spencer Stith and daughter-in-law, Leslie Stith (Wilson) of North Kansas City, MO; his daughter, Dana Harding (Stith) and son-in-law, Michael Paige Harding of Kearney, MO; his grandchildren, Jacob Harding; Samuel Harding; Emmanuelle Stith; Hope Harding; and Ian Stith.
A graveside service will be held at Second Creek Cemetery on Saturday, November 25th at 11 AM.
Serving as pallbearers are Michael Paige Harding, Jacob Harding, Samuel Harding, Spencer Stith, Ian Stith & Quinne Strehlow.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 23rd at 2 PM at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home preceded by a visitation at 1 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dean’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Homefront Community Development, Inc at www.homefrontnkc.org.
The family would like to thank the staff at Saint Luke’s North Hospital and Saint Luke’s Hospice House for their care of Dean in his final hours.
