Gary Dean Shearburn

Gary Dean Shearburn, 67, Nevada, Mo., formerly of Bronaugh, Mo., passed away Friday, July 4, 2014, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. He was born Jan. 27, 1947, at Nevada City Hospital, the fourth child of Melvin E. and Lee Earl Thompson Shearburn.

Gary Dean was severely disabled mentally and physically, and required a great deal of assistance and supervision his entire life. Gary Dean enjoyed car rides and had often accompanied his parents on their morning and evening Star Mail route. He also loved spending time outdoors with the company of the family dog, Duke. His parents were able to care for him at home until 1972, when he was moved to the Nevada State Hospital. He resided there until the Habilitation Center closed and he was transferred to a special needs group home in Nevada.

Gary Dean was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gayle Elaine Shearburn Cooper. Survivors include a brother, DeVon E. Shearburn, and his wife, Pearl, El Dorado, Kan.; a sister, Karin Kay Shearburn Haverstic, Moundville, Mo.; and brother-in-law, Richard E. Cooper and his wife, Mae, Lamar, Mo. Additional survivors include several cousins; one niece; seven nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews. Gary Dean's immediate family is especially grateful for the many compassionate and dedicated care-providers who became his surrogate family.

Gary Dean will be cremated and interred with his parents at Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh, Mo. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, with Lawrence Cripps officating. Friends may call at Ferry Funeral Home, now and until an hour before the service.

Memorials may be made in his name to Worsley Cemetery in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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