Willard Dean Greer

Willard Dean Greer, 87, of Milo, Mo., passed from this life on July 4, 2019. He was born July 24, 1931, the son of Harold “Pete” Maxwell and Cora Ellen (Hieronymous) Greer at Sheldon, Mo. On Dec. 21, 1956, he was united in marriage to Rose Marlene Attebery. They were married over 58 years until she preceded him in death on May 19, 2015.

Dean attended Wild Rose School through the eighth grade. Dean was a long-time member and deacon of the Nevada Church of Christ. Dean was one of the founding fathers of the Milo Rural Fire Department.

Dean served active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1955 and inactive duty until 1960. He was rated GM 3rd Class and served on the USS Manchester. His Navy travels took him to Hawaii, Japan, China and Korea. Dean lived with Merl and Louella Fellows on leave and after returning from the Navy.

Dean hauled livestock for Merl Fellows, worked at Nevada Farm Service for Dan and Bonnie Short and drove a truck for Hofer’s of Pittsburg, Kansas. The last several years of his trucking career were hauling cookie meal/bakery by-products from Kansas City to Arkansas.

Dean’s favorite times were those spent going to kids’ activities, fishing or being with family and friends. He loved being “Papa.” He was so proud of every child, grandchild and great grandchild.

Dean was preceded in death by this wife; his parents; and two grandsons, Taylor Greer and Justin Cash. Survivors include his four children, Jeff Greer and wife, Kathy, Joann Cash and James Harman, all of Nevada, Jane Westerhold and husband, Denver, of Rich Hill, and Jimmy Greer and wife, Melissa, of Holden, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, Matthew Cash and wife, Alison, of Springfield, Michael Cash and wife, Chelsie, of Nevada, Tyler Greer and wife, Kelsey, of Milo, Tanner Greer of Springfield, Megan Westerhold of Manhattan, Kan., Michelle Westerhold of Rich Hill, Aaron Greer and wife, Katlyn, of Milo, Austin Greer and wife, Taylor, of Milo, AJ Greer and wife, Tayvia, of Nevada, Benjamin and Levi Greer of Holden, and Tyson Majors of Butler; seven great-grandchildren, Kenneth, Layne and Gracelynn Greer of Milo, Mason Cash of Springfield, Weston Greer of Nevada, and ones due in October and February; and siblings Lawrence Greer of Milo, Steve Greer and wife Betty of Riverside, California, Doris May and husband, Lloyd, of Bella Vista, Ark., and Patsy Moore, of El Dorado Springs.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m., at the Nevada Church of Christ. Visitation is scheduled Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., at Ferry Funeral Home. Contributions may be made in Dean’s memory to the Church of Christ in Nevada or the Vernon County Youth Fair.