A private memorial services at a later date will be held for Dean Bickford, 93 of Kimberling City.  Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Kimberling City.  Dean passed away peacefully in his home on October 2, 2025 after a brief illness.

Dean was born April of 1932 in Brooklyn, Iowa to Clarence and Marie Bickford.  He had lived in the area for the past 51 years.

Dean was an Airborne Radio Operator in the Navy during the war.  He had a career in the aviation industry for 20 years, working for both Boeing and Cessna in Wichita, Kansas.  After retiring, he and his wife Lily moved to Branson in 1975, where they purchased and ran a motel for 9 years.

After retiring from the motel, Dean worked for Stone County as a cartographer.   In 1993, when Planning and Zoning was approved in Stone County. Dean was appointed as the first Director of Planning and Zoning for Stone County.  He retired from that position in 1997.

Dean served as the chairman of the Kimberling City Planning and Zoning Board for 6 years, and was involved with Emergency Management in Kimberling City for over 10 years, serving as Director of Emergency Management for Kimberling City for over 5 years.

Dean was a licensed ham in amateur radio for 69 years, and started the Kimberling City Amateur Radio Club over 40 years ago.  Dean had also been a drummer in the praise and worship band at the First Methodist Church in Kimberling City, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Dean was married to Lillian Miyamota for 53 years.  She preceded him in death in 2008, as did his parents.

Survivors include his best friend and caregiver for the past 4 years, Susie Link; daughter Iris Cannon and granddaughter Kimberly Cannon of Wichita, KS.

Memorials can be made to the First Methodist Church in Kimberling City or Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch .