Holman Dean Valentine

Holman Dean Valentine, age 87, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 1, 2026, at Trustwell Living of Mission Springs in Mission, KS. Dean was grateful to remain in his home and continue attending church until just three weeks prior to his passing.

Dean was born on April 12, 1938, in Fairbury, Jefferson County, Nebraska, to Holman Tandy Valentine and Hazel Clare Githens Valentine. He graduated from Fairbury High School and then graduated from Fairbury University, where he was on scholarship for football. Dean’s sophomore team played for the Division II National Championship title. He served his country in the United States National Guard for six years during the Vietnam War era.

He married his first wife, Judith Headrick-Valentine, on August 9, 1959. They were married for 18 years. Dean later married Mary Buchholtz-Valentine of Columbus, NE, on August 1, 1979, and they shared five years of marriage.

Dean lived in Beatrice, NE, for more than ten years before becoming a longtime resident of Overland Park, KS, where he lived for over 50 years. He began his career with Brown Shoe Fit, working in several locations throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. He later transitioned into banking, beginning in Concordia, KS, then Beatrice, NE, and ultimately Overland Park, KS, retiring from North American Savings & Loan.

Dean’s greatest joy was his family; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the pride of his life. He enjoyed golfing, spending time at his son’s lake house at Lake Wabaunsee, KS, and was a proud member of Blue Valley Baptist Church – Antioch Campus.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Lajeanne “Jean” Valentine Hiner, Betty Valentine Richardson, Phyllis Valentine Stahl, and Joyce Valentine Richardson; daughter-in-law Jennifer Valentine Bur; nephew Tony Vance; and nieces Teresa Stahl Ruhmann, Sally Richardson Hull, and Cindy Richardson Civkulis.

He is survived by his sister, Deanna Valentine Vance, and brother-in-law, Jan Vance, of Lincoln, NE; three sons: Rocky Valentine and wife Terri of Mission, KS; Marty Valentine and wife Amy of Springfield, VA; and Matthew Valentine and wife Leah of Lenexa, KS; as well as his longtime companion and friend, Dee Welborn. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, including Julia Valentine Bartak and husband John and their children Blakely, Ben, and Brooke of Prairie Village, KS; Ryan Bertram and his children Christian and Quorra of Overland Park, KS; Audrey Valentine of Arlington, VA; Margaret Valentine of Burke, VA; Maria Zimmerman of Burke, VA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dean will be laid to rest at Fairbury Cemetery in Fairbury, NE, where a gravestone will be placed beside his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date at Blue Valley Baptist Church, Antioch Campus, Fellowship Hall, 8925 W. 151st Street, Overland Park, KS.