Dean Addison Surface

Dean Addison Surface, 75, of Grassy, Missouri died Friday, January 16, 2026 at his home. He was born August 7, 1950 in Jackson, MO to the late Walter Lee and Mildred "Billie" Webb Surface. Dean graduated from Jackson High School in 1968. He was very active in sports lettering in both wrestling and Football. Dean cultivated friendships with his fellow class mates that have lasted a life time. After graduation he enlisted in the Unites States Army and upon finishing basic training was deployed to Vietnam in 1970. He served proudly and with distinction earning multiple awards and medals, his most treasured were his Bronze Star, his Combat Infantry Division Award and his Commendation Medal. Upon returning home Dean went to work at Graham Pallet and John Reilly Survey. He and Sarah Hopkins were married in 1974 and they had two sons Jacob Matthew and Nathan Addison, they were the joy of his life. Dean later enlisted in the Army National Guard and served an additional 20 plus years earning many awards for his excellence in performing his duties. While in the Guard he traveled to Honduras, Costa Rica and Alaska. He retired from the National Guard as a First Sergeant. On September 19, 1987 Dean married Carolyn Marie Arnzen at Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson. They built their home in Grassy and had a good life working together. At this time Dean began a career with the Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District as a Construction Inspector. He oversaw many projects including the rebuilding of levees after the effects of hurricane Katrina and other levees and docks along the Mississippi and at Lake Wapapello. Dean was allotted several awards for his service as well as a reputation for working well with his co-workers and contractors. Dean retired at the age of 62 and spent his time in his garden, making maple syrup and doing wood working, making tables and benches. Reading was his passion, listening to the blues was his enjoyment. He also felt it worthy to be involved in the Veterans Memorial Wall in Marble Hill, acting as the treasurer for the committee. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Dean had a big heart and respected his family and friends. Survivors include his wife Carolyn, sons Jacob and Nathan, a brother Roger (Jennifer) Surface as well as many cousins and family members of the Surface, Webb and Propst families (he cherished the family reunions). Also surviving are four sisters-in-laws; Bernita, Kathy, Barbara and Jane and brother-in-laws; Mark and Rick along with all of their children. A gathering of family and friends is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2 pm at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Marble Hill. Military Honors will be performed at 2:30 at the Memorial. Memorial contributions may be given to VFW 5900, American Legion Post 158 or Veterans Memorial Marble Hill MO. Online condolences may be made at fordandlileyfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Dean Addison Surface

August 7, 1950 - January 16, 2026