Dean Blaser

Dean Blaser, age 89, of Lamar, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 1, 2016, surrounded by his family at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.      Dean was born April 29, 1927, in Garber, Oklahoma, first of the three children of Werner and Alma (Hauser) Blaser. At age 14, he moved with his family to Barton County, graduating with the class of 1945 in Lamar.  Eager to serve his country, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army, learning and utilizing cryptology skills during World War II.  His first job after returning home took him to Colorado to work as a lineman for J.R. Foree, where he met the love of his life, Dolores Turvey.  They were married April 10, 1949 at Julesburg, Colorado and made their home and farmed near Lamar for the next nine years.  Dean then became an agent for Farmers Mutual, now known as American Family Insurance and established Blaser Insurance Company in 1959.  Maintaining an interest in farming, he continued to raise cattle, dabbled in ostrich production, and had horses for his kids to enjoy after moving into town.  Because Dean was a genuine “people person” the job he found most satisfying was the 40-year span of clerking for Davis & Frieden Auctioneers.      Always interested and involved in his community, Dean was the charter president of Lamar Lions Club; 50-year member of Lamar Masonic Lodge; past-master and Rajah of the Stockton Shrine Club; and charter member of Lamar Shrine Club.  His greatest joy came from spending time with family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.  He was an active member and former deacon of First Christian Church.      Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Dolores, of the home; children, Candy (Dan) Fields, Murfreesboro, Arkansas, Roger (Ann) Blaser, Lamar, Rita (Bruce) Wolf, Liberal, Missouri, and Sheila (Rick) Temple, Springfield, Missouri; a brother, Larry Blaser, Lamar; a sister, Carole (Kenneth) Powell, Denton, Texas; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.      Dean was preceded in death by his parents; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy “Brillo” and Becky Blaser; and a granddaughter, Rachel Blaser.      Masonic Rites will be conducted at 12:20 p.m. Thursday, November 3rd, at Daniel Funeral Home, followed by visitation until 2:00 p.m. when the funeral service will begin.  Burial with military honors will be in Lake Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rachel Blaser Scholarship Fund or A.O.K. (About Our Kids) in care of the funeral home.