Dean Eugene Ethridge

Honoring the Life of Dean Eugene Ethridge Dean Eugene Ethridge passed away on June 19, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and cherished memories. Dean was born on October 7, 1947, at Research Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, to Carl and Gertrude Ethridge. He attended Raytown High School, where he later earned his GED. On December 23, 1965, he married Sharon Lynn Knight in Henderson, Nevada. Together, Dean and Sharon shared a life and were blessed with two children, Eric C. Ethridge and Jennifer Lynn Cornett. Dean later remarried in 1998 to Kathleen Dugger. They shared a beautiful marriage for a little over twenty years until Kathleen sadly passed away from heart failure on October 21, 2009. In 1968, Dean proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. A brave and dedicated veteran, he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts for his incredible sacrifice and valor. Following his return from Vietnam, Dean started a family and transitioned his military service to the United States Army, dedicating the next 15 years to a proud and honorable career. After retiring from the military, he continued his public service by working for the government General Services Administration (GSA) for several years before finally retiring down home to Preston, Missouri. In his retirement, Dean truly settled into life down home and pursued his favorite passions. He absolutely loved to go fishing and spent countless peaceful hours out on the water. Dean could often be found on his pontoon boat, joining in on the lively poker runs on the lake, or casting a line at Pomme de Terre Lake. Above all, his happiest moments were spent fishing alongside his many cousins, friends, and family. Dean valued time spent with the people he loved, sharing hearty meals, good stories, and simple, everyday moments. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Gertrude; his wife, Kathleen; his beloved grandson, Brent Dean Cornett; his brother, Ronnie Carl Ethridge; and his brother-in-law, Marvin Lilliston, and brother-in-law Norman Lee Knight. His memory will be kept alive by his loving family, including his children, Eric C. Ethridge and his wife, Alison Ethridge of Independence, Missouri, and Jennifer Lynn Cornett and her life partner, Eric Figley of Independence, Missouri. He is also survived by his two sisters, Carlene Lilleston of Hermitage, Missouri, and Geanene Simmons of Saint Joseph, Missouri, along with his 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, many cousins, and many friends whose lives he has touched over the years. A visitation will be held on June 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mission Ridge Cemetery, also known as Lone Post Cemetery, in Urbana, Missouri 65767. The funeral service will immediately follow from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., concluding with graveside military services at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Mission Ridge Cemetery Lone Post. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery for those wishing to make a contribution.

Dean Eugene Ethridge

October 7, 1947 - June 19, 2026