Dean Kenneth Butterfield

Dean Kenneth Butterfield was born in Schwäibisch Hall, Germany on February 12, 1965. His parents, Robert Dean Butterfield and Frances H. Butterfield moved there from Saint Louis, Missouri so that Robert could sell insurance to American GIs. The family, then also consisting of Dean’s brothers Greg, Todd, and Tim returned to St. Louis in, where Dean grew up.

When he was 12 years old, Dean took apart the engine in Todd’s motorcycle and reassembled it all in an afternoon. The motorcycle ran perfectly. Dean had a real talent (and obsession) for mechanical engineering. In 1996, Dean opened DB Auto Sales here in Nevada. He was master mechanic, technician, salesman, and collector. Dean specialized in Toyotas, but couldn’t resist something flashy. He showed up to his baby brother Blake’s wedding in a red Pontiac Firebird.

That car, and Dean’s decision to drive it across the country for a swaggering appearance at his brother’s wedding, is a pretty good symbol of who Dean was. He loved his own freedom. He loved Rock and Roll, especially the Doors. He loved to drive fast down the freeway with the wind in his hair and a Marlborough Light in his hand. He loved his family. And like the mythical birds that inspired the car, Dean was elusive, burned bright, and didn’t go quietly to death. You can’t keep a firebird in a cage.

Dean died in the Vernon County Jail sometime October the 12th or early Sunday the 13th. Investigations into the circumstances of his death are ongoing.

He is survived by his mother, Helen, brothers Todd and Tim, sister May Ling Stella, nieces Kyla Applegate and Ashley Asbury, Aprill Woodruff, Harlequinn Roggenkamp, nephews Marshal, Timothy Dean, Michael, and Louie, and longtime partner Maryann Luther.

Dean’s family invites his friends and acquaintances to a memorial gathering at the west side of Quick Dine Restaurant, 1331 N. Osage Blvd., in Nevada, Mo., this Saturday, October 26th at 2 p.m.