Billy Dean Mahan, 71, son of Arthur and Nancy Mahan, died peacefully at his daughter's home in Overland Park, Kansas, on August, 25, 2010 after a 16 month battle with cancer. Dean was born at home in Oakland, Arkansas on August 17, 1939 and raised by his parents in Pontiac, Missouri.

After graduating from Gainesville High School, he joined the US Navy and saw active duty during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. While still in the Navy, stationed in California, Dean met and married Randa Elliott, who preceded him in death, after 28 years of marriage. Dean never remarried.

After leaving California, Dean, Randa and their children settled in Rochester, New York where Dean was the co-owner of a heating and cooling business. Dean's family eventually settled in Wichita, Kansas in 1977 where Dean worked as an HVAC technician at various local heating and cooling contractors.

Dean's heart always remained in the Ozarks were he returned often to visit family and satisfy his love of deer hunting and fishing. Dean rarely missed the opening of deer season, even after a debilitating stroke in 1997 left him partially paralyzed.

Dean is survived by a loving family, including three daughters: Lena West of Oklahoma, Deana Sturd (Joe) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Kelly Dancey (Skai) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; his brothers and sisters: Pasty Bastin (Paul) of Haysville, Kansas, Joan Connor (Bobby) of Pontiac, Missouri, LaDella Albright (Ronnie) of Gassville, Arkansas, Dick Mahan (Charlene) of Cuba, Missouri, Julia Hodges (Gordon) of Midway, Arkansas and Corky Mahan (Karen) of Pontiac Missouri; and his grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife Randa and his parents Arthur and Nancy.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in the Pontiac Cemetery, Pontiac, MO with Gary Kinsey officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday evening in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO.