Gerald “Dean” Pilcher

Gerald “Dean” Pilcher, 78, Richards, Mo., passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., following a brief illness. Dean was born July 30, 1940, in Montevallo, Mo., to Clarence Monroe and Clara Viola (Glover) Pilcher. He was married to Onie LaVena Moser on Nov. 15, 1962, in Gosnell, Ark., and she preceded him in death on March 19, 2018.

Dean was raised in Vernon County and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1958. Following high school he served for seven years in the United States Airforce. Upon his return to Nevada Dean worked at the Nevada State Hospital for 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Osage Masonic Lodge No. 303 in Nevada, American Legion, and the NRA. Dean was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a craftsman, known for his bow and knife making, the art of flint-knapping, and for making and repairing guns.

Dean is survived by three children, Evanda Hogan and her husband, Ken, Nevada, Talena Basham, Nevada, and John Pilcher, Horton; four grandchildren, Jeremy Hogan and his wife, Marlene, Nevada, Brandi Basham, Springfield, Amanda Carter and her husband, Luther, Kansas City, and Christa Basham and Taylor, Springfield; three great-grandchildren, Hanna and Kyle, Carter, Maleah; a great-great-granddaughter, Kinsley; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Onie LaVena, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Edna Mae Olson; five brothers, Elmo Pilcher, Albert “Duck” Pilcher, Lenny Monroe Pilcher, Danny Pilcher, and Donny Pilcher.

Military funeral honors will begin at 2 p.m., Friday, June 21, with visitation following until 4 p.m., at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Freedom Defender “Outdoors” for Disabled Veterans in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.