Ronnie “RD” Dean passed away on Dec. 21, 2025, after his brief stint with cancer. He was born Jan. 24, 1951, to James A. and Ruth M. Dean of Shawnee, OK. RD attended South Rock Creek Elementary School until 8th grade. He finished at Shawnee Public Schools, graduating in 1969 from Shawnee High School. After graduating, RD briefly attended Oklahoma State University and was a member of the Air National Guard. He earned his multi-engine pilot’s license and loved flying his twin engine Cessna Turbo and often dreamed of getting back to the skies. RD worked for Southwestern Bell for 20+ years. Afterwards, he began his career in lawn care.
RD was preceded in death by his wife Janise Rigg-Dean; parents, James and Ruth Dean; son, Chad Dean; nephew, Justin Dean, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
Those left to cherish his memory are son, Eric Rigg and wife Dee-Ann of Bayfield, CO; daughters, Angela Rigg and husband Jimmy Childers of Tecumseh, and Amanda and Artie Effinger, of Shawnee; brothers, Steve Dean and Allen Dean of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Josie (spouse Dustin), Nicki, Sophie, Lilly, Ava Jo, Konnar, Mason, Kennedy, Blaine (spouse Julie), Blake and Savanna; great grandchildren: Ollie, Archie, Easton and Weston, as well as numerous others including his nephews, nieces, and other extended family and friends.
Services were held on Dec. 27, 2025 at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, OK 74804.
