Robert Dean McAmis, 85, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, at John Knox Village Care Center with his family by his side.
Dean McAmis was born on March 8, 1938, in Taylor County, Iowa. He was the second child born to Robert and Geneva (Thompson) McAmis. Dean attended school in Pickering, MO and graduated from Maryville High School in 1956. Following high school, Dean moved to Kansas City, Kansas where he worked as a produce manager for Kroger. In 1960, Dean joined the Kansas Air National Guard as a Helicopter Mechanic where he worked on helicopters and fix-wing aircraft for more than 30 years. He was a proud, patriotic member of the military, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam, and rising in rank to 1st Sergeant (1SG) before his retirement.
In 1960, Dean met the love of his life, Sharon Glenn. They were married in 1962 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and started their life together at a home in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1964 they added a daughter, Lori, to their family. In 1971 his family moved to Basehor, Kansas and then to Berryton, Kansas in 1978 after his unit was relocated to Forbes Field outside of Topeka.
Dean and Sharon were a great team. They were active members of St. Matthew's Catholic Church, loved to fish, loved the children they drove to and from school, and their occasional trips to the casino to play slots.
Dean had a tough time following Sharon's death in early 2020 and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Later in 2020 Dean moved to Blue Springs, Missouri to be closer to Lori and her family as he began cancer treatment. He was a trooper throughout his treatments and touched the hearts of his numerous doctor and nurse caregivers through his charm and good spirits. Lori and her family feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be with Dean during this time.
Dean was preceded in death by his wife Sharon and his parents. He is survived by his sister Geraldine (Marvin) Sumy of Maryville, Missouri, a daughter Lori (Tim) Massey of Lake Lotawana, Missouri, a granddaughter Lauren (Kevin) Butler of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Lincoln.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 18th, 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Avenue, Topeka, KS, 66605, followed by a light lunch at the church. A graveside service with military honors will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sister Mary Kusmic, c/o Carmelite Nuns, 89 Hiddenbrook Drive, Beacon, NY 12508-2230.
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