Dean Ober Radcliffe

A celebration of Life for Dean will be held 2 to 4pm, on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Six Mile Chop House. 4931 W 6th St, Lawrence, Kansas.

Dean O. Radcliffe, 78, of Lawrence Kansas passed away Thursday at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Born September 30th, 1940 in Wichita Kansas, he was adopted by Charles Ober Radcliffe and Maxine Radcliffe. Being their son and taking on the “Radcliffe” name was something that brought him very much pride throughout the course of his life. 

He attended Kansas University before an unfortunate Mardi Gras incident forced him to finish up at Emporia State. After obtaining an Accounting degree from Emporia State University, Dean went on to become a CPA, a profession that he very much enjoyed being a part of. He formed a lasting bond and special partnership with Vicki whom he relied on heavily and leaves behind many former clients whom he loved dearly. 

Dean is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue; his children, Darin and Shawna Radcliffe; and his grandchildren, Nathan, Kaylee, Makenzie Radcliffe, and Hunter Wheeler. Dean was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, and will be profoundly missed by all of his family and friends. 

He loved to make those around him laugh and bringing a smile to the faces of those around him was always a priority of his. His quick-witted sense of humor, often cheesy jokes, and affinity for funny hats will hold a special place in the memories and hearts of those that knew him. In addition to being a devoted and beloved family man, friend, CPA, and comic, Dean enjoyed woodworking and staying busy on projects in his free-time. 

Memorials may be made to Lawrence Humane Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.

Messages & Condolences

From Deb & Bob Werts...

Sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. Our condolences to Sue, Shawna, Hunter and his entire family. We didn’t know Dean well but can tell he was much loved and respected by many just by reading all of the condolences.

From Tracy Koons Rockers...

Sue, Shawna and Darin, I keep trying to think of what to say, and there are no words other than Dean was a one of a kind. I have so many funny memories of Dean. He has know me my entire life. I had the honor of working for him at his CPA firm and you never knew what to expect, everyday was a new day and always a good laugh. Vicki and I got him good one day though, we had him call a potential client, Mr. Fox and it was the phone number to the Topeka Zoo. He was always up for a good laugh, he was so quick witted and had the biggest heart! He always called me skinny kid (for some reason). He will be greatly missed!

From Chris Georgeson...

To the Radcliffes – Dean – the big guy with the big appetite for life. Dean & Sue were the cool alternate parents on the block in the ’60s and ’70s. Snazzily dressed, easy with talk and laugh, Dean was a car guy. Something about him and small cars – VW bug, Porsche 914, that Smart car; and that ’40s woody delivery van, and the Humvee. And then there’s that motorcycle period – trips to Sturgis, before it became common for non-biker types to flock to Sturgis on their hogs.

An unconventional guy with a funny and sharp wit. He and Gaylen shaving their heads in solidarity with my Mom’s appearance during her chemo. Those evenings spent on that Georgeson brick patio with the Radcliffes, Koonses and Norwoods. Dean and Sue and a group of people chucking it all post-tax season for a week on the Ozark rivers with canoes and loads of beer, for quite a few years. We all had it good, and Dean smiling, laughing and joking with all of us, let us feel that circle of love. Thank you, Dean.

From Judy Riling...

Darin,

So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time.

From Kerry Meisner...

Sue, Jim and I are so sorry. We will share goofy Dean stories and remember how sweet, funny, and ornery he was. So very sorry, my beautiful friend.

From Larry Hatfield...

A wonderful friend of mine since kindergarten at Cordley School. Would have been difficult to be in business without Dean as my CPA. Will miss seeing him. Especially at our Class of 58 lunches. We will still tell “Dean stories” and have a good laugh. The best to the family. He was a special guy. Larry/Teri Hatfield

From MaryBeth and Bill Harmon...

Sue, sending our love and continued prayers to you and your family. Dean was a very unique person. He brought so much joy to us and many others. He will be missed by so many ❤️?

From saundra pichelman...

Sue and family I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers to you all.

From George Catt...

Sue and family, my thoughts are with you at this trying time. Dean always said that I was much older than him–3 days. He and his wicked sense of humor will be missed,

From Rosalie...

So sorry for your loss. My prayers for all.

From Nancy and Rick Renfro...

We are so sorry that Dean has passed away. He made us smile. As I recall Sue, you did some good eye rolling throughout all those years of hearing his jokes. You were a fun comedy team and we will miss him. We are thinking of you and your family, sending our love.

From Adrianne (Annie) Brynds...

Sue, Darin and family,
My heart goes out to you in the loss of Dean. I know he will be missed by so many. Please have comfort in the many wonderful memories of him. I always enjoyed seeing him!

From Lori White...

Shawna, Sue, Darin, and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Dean driving cars he was “almost” too big for, silly jokes, and just generally being a good guy. It is heartbreaking that you have lost him.

Love,

Lori

From Gaylen & Deb Koons...

What a guy! We have been talking about all the fun times we had with you guys in our younger years. Too many to list, for sure. We have a few photographs to use as evidence of said fun and will be sharing those with you soon. Sue, Darin & Shawna, our hearts hurt for you all. This big guy leaves a huge void. We are hoping that Dean has joined Bob and Greta for a drink and lively conversation. That is an image that will hopefully make you smile between tears.

From Marvin and Kathy Pine...

We are saddened for your loss by your family. Prayers and friendship from us to you. Marvin and Kathy Pine

From Curt Georgeson...

Sue, Shawna, and Darin so sorry for the unexpected passing of Dean O. I always enjoyed talking and listening to him on his views, his quick wit, and jokes and stories that you weren’t sure where it was going but for sure it was going to make you laugh or smile. He was one of a kind! Take care and God Bless to you all.

From Karen Georgeson Burk...

Sue, Shawna and Darin-
I’m shocked and saddened by the loss of Dean. He’s family. You all are. You’re all so woven into my Vt. St. memories – those memories make me laugh as I sit here shaking my head, crying.
I remember Tipsy Santa wandering over for a visit in the ’70s. I remember many belly laughs and jokes and smirky grins.
I remember getting PAID by Dean to set bagworms on fire on your junipers. I remember Dean cutting down that huge tree after Darin fell. I remember you all letting us tear up your yard for some intense football games. I remember tales told of neighborhood streaking. You guys always had the best house for Halloween. I remember how much fun it was when you all were involved. I loved stopping by the office as an adult and reminiscing.
I am praying for each of you. Will continue to do so. Please know how loved DeanO is and you as well. Wow, gonna miss him.

From Ivan & Vi Kelley...

Sue so sorry to hear about Dean. We only saw him a couple times a year,but the memories will last forever. He was a great guy always entertaining. Our prayers are with you.

From Glenda Channel...

Sue, I only knew Dean in passing from school; however, I know what a loss you have suffered. I will hold you and your family in my prayers.

From Sherry Stone...

Dear Sue and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You guys have been part of our long-time-friend list . Praying that God will comfort you and bring healing to your hearts and lives as you work through this huge loss. Love and blessings, Sherry Foley Stone

From Larry and Ruthie Hatfield...

Sue, Shawna and Darin please know that we’re thinking of you and and saddened by this news. Sue if there is anything at all we can do for you, please let us know.

From Wes and Nancy Kabler...

Sue
We were shocked to read of Dean’s passing. Our prays and thoughts are with you.

From Phil Arnett...

Dean,we will all miss you big guy.With that overtly dry sense of humor how could any of us ever forget you.Who else could make fun of MU and K-State better than you.ha!You were truly loved by your friends and family.There were not many people in Lawrence that you didn’t know I suspect.Keep’m laughing Dean,at least until the rest of us show up,hopefully.RIP big guy.

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