Dean Harmon Ogden of Joplin, Missouri entered his eternal reward January 4th just after 5 a.m. at the age of 86. His was a life fully lived. Dean was born on July 14, 1937, to Revere and Ethel Campbell Ogden in Carthage, Missouri. He was one of 11 children, with seven brothers and three sisters.
After Dean graduated from Carthage High School in 1956, he married Adaline Bylsma. They had three children that he loved dearly. It was the summer before he graduated that he began working at Carthage Marble as a draftsman. Once he graduated from high school, he went to work full time for Carthage Marble. Through hard work and God-gifted talent, he quickly excelled in his chosen profession.
After a few years with Carthage Marble, he took a job with Select Tile in Long Beach, California. After being there for a short time, he realized he missed home, so he and his family moved back so he could return to Carthage Marble. As he continued to develop his craft, he soon began working for Elmer Allgeier, one of the founders of Allgeier Martin where he was the Chief Draftsman, one particular project was assisting and overseeing the design of the MSSU football stadium. From Allgeier Martin, he went to work for Goodman Church Builders and finally started his own company, Ogden Construction and Builders. He continued to build houses into his late 70’s. Dean possessed the ability to fix anything and could work as hard as any other man. He loved building and was always willing to help others with their projects, large or small. Two of his personal favorite projects include the fellowship hall at Teen Challenge of the Four States and the Clem Prettyman Satellite School at Turnaround Ranch.
As a dedicated police officer, Dean served as Sergeant in the reserves for Joplin Police Department and as a Deputy Sheriff for both Jasper and Newton County. He was the Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts in Carthage Missouri and had one of the largest scout groups as well as one of the most decorated troops.
Dean was a faithful member of Abundant Life church in Neosho, Mo, and loved to worship his Savior. He regularly thanked God for the gift of salvation and the hope of eternity. Unashamed of his personal faith in Jesus Christ, Dean was an ambassador for Christ to everyone he met.
Among Dean’s many passions, he loved the outdoors, whether it be camping, hunting, fishing, or simply being outside. He loved to travel the country and visit his many friends and loved ones. He loved animals, trains, and toys. You would rarely catch him sitting still.
Dean is survived by his former wife, Adaline (Ogden) LeMasters and husband Don of Joplin; three children: Kathy Ogden of Joplin, Dean Ogden II and wife Laura of Springfield, and Wes Ogden and wife Jennifer of Joplin; four grandchildren: Madison Ogden Wright, Hamilton Ogden, Lucas Ogden, and Jake Ogden; two great grandchildren: Voudrey and Averley Wright; one brother, Marion Ogden and wife Mary of Joplin; one sister, Ellen Vail, of Tucson, AZ; one sister-in-law, Lori Ogden, as well as many nieces and nephews. Without question he loved his family fiercely. He will be greatly missed by many.
A celebration of life service will be held February 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Church in Neosho, Missouri. Church is located just south of Griffith Motors in Neosho on old Highway 71.
