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ROBERT ERROL DEAN
LEGACY OF AN ARTIST
December 29, 1947 - February 16, 2010
Robert E. Dean, noted Medicine Park
sculptor passed away in February. In the past few years he was becoming
known in Oklahoma for his "heroic" sized metal sculptures of wildlife.
Robert went to be with his Lord on
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the age of 62.
He was born Dec. 29, 1947, in Waurika, to Horace Dean and Ruth Parker
Dean. He was raised in Waurika and graduated from Duncan High School in
1966. He was in the Army National Guard for three years. In 1975, he
received an honorable discharge. He was proud of his service to his
country and in his workshop there was a framed display of his rank
insignia and awards garnered during his time with the National Guard. In
addition, on “The Peacepipe” sculpture on Medicine Creek, as
commissioned by Major General (Retired) Lee Baxter, almost hidden from
view, is the crest of the 45th Infantry Division, Roberts National Guard
outfit.
Robert spent five years working as a custom home builder for his father,
Horace V. Dean, with Better Homes in Duncan. In 1991, he completed his
education at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha
where he received his Bachelors Degree in Art and became certified as a
visual arts teacher. He taught in Chickasha Public Schools for 11 years
and was named Teacher of the Year in 2001 before his retirement. He
attended The Cowboy Church on Highway 58.
Robert E. Dean in the past few years was becoming known in Oklahoma for
his "heroic" sized metal sculptures of wildlife. Each piece is
approximately two times life size and borders on monumental scale. His
first such piece was that of an American Bison which is on permanent
display on the grounds of Medicine Park Hall, in the historic resort
community of Medicine Park, Oklahoma.
In 2003, The Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, Oklahoma purchased
Robert's metal depiction of a Rocky Mountain Elk. The bugling Elk stands
14 feet tall from ground to horn tip and more than eight feet tall at
the shoulders.
After receiving rave reviews from the public and the museum's Board of
Directors, the museum commissioned a metal sculpture of a Bison
Latifrons.
The prehistoric ancestor to the American
Bison inhabited the Great Plains during the last Ice Age at the same
time as the wholly mammoths and mastodons.
Robert with his Bison Latifrons
(photo courtesy Robert Dean Family)
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Although Robert's passion was his unique
heroic sized metal sculpture depictions of wildlife he was also prolific
in the sculpting of marble and granites, and in producing clay
sculptures for forged bronzes. Robert's works in varied mediums have
been displayed in numerous galleries and museums.
There are some sixteen sculptures created by Robert in private
collections in Medicine Park. Most can be seen from sidewalks and
streets in town. His last creation, was an AT&T Wireless commission at
the Southwest corner of North Sheridan Road and Cache Road in Lawton. It
features his interpretation of America's first wireless communication
system of an American Indian twice life sized knelling on a rock and
making smoke signals with a blanket and small fire.
(photo courtesy of David C. Lott)
Always with a work in progress, always with another idea on the drawing
board, always with a creative idea to share with friends and family and
always with a helping hand to lend to one in need – Robert will be
greatly missed by his family, his extended family and all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Ruth Parker Dean, of Duncan; wife, Ottoria
"Torie" C. Dean, of the home; four daughters: Jesse Torie Dean, of
Medicine Park; Robin Rosemond Dean Scott and husband Brad, and Rose
Dean, all of Duncan; and Amy Caruso, Arlington, Tenn; one adopted son,
Calvert Tate Nevaquaya, of Apache; his best friend, his dog, Bear;
several spirit brothers: Aaron Wood, of Waurika; Yusuf Etudaiye, of
McAlester; Bobby Creepingbear, of Apache; Glenn Thomas, of Chickasha;
Robert Moore, Charlie Wright, David McCoy, Rosen Carpenter, Hank Sabine,
David Lott, John Kelly and Jim Silverhorn, all of Medicine Park; John
Newman, of Oklahoma City; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Mary and
Larry Armstrong, of Duncan; and Margaret and Lee Hoyle, of Shawnee; and
several nieces, nephews; and countless good friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Horace Dean; mother-in-law,
Rosemond Butterfield; a cousin, Johnny Curtis; grandparents: E.T. and
Annabelle Dean, William and Rozena Parker; and his best friend, Coyote
Bob.
Rest in peace Father, Brother and Dear Friend. Be seein' ya again one
day.
(photo courtesy of Grace Beale) |
Spring/Summer 2010
Issue In 3D Flipbook Format
CLICK ABOVE FOR NUMEROUS NEW FEATURE ARTICLES
AND TONS OF LOCAL HISTORY
Robert working on a creation
(photo courtesy David C. Lott)
Robert's Buffalo at the Music Hall
(photo courtesy Krystal Lund)
Robert with his giraffe
(photo courtesy Robert Dean Family)
Robert's
Loyal Friend "Bear"
Click above
for a view of more of Robert
Dean's Works
and a video |
