D. Dean Dunham, Jr., 88, Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026.

Born on October 31, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, to D. Dean, Sr., and Margaret Dunham, who preceded him in death, as did his brother Thomas.

After graduating from Hastings College (B.A.), the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville (M.A.), and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D.), Dean built a dedicated career as an English Professor at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, for 41 years.  Dr. Dunham was co-founder of the Harriman-Jewell Series, a performing arts organization in Kansas City, and was awarded the Richard Harriman Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2024.  Dean had a deep passion for social justice, and in the 1960’s and 70’s was actively involved in the Fellowship of the Concerned, a multiracial group formed to battle racial practices in Liberty, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, two children Lori and Cindy, four grandchildren Joshua (Sara), Emma (Eddy), Torrance (Tiffany), and Andelyn, two great-grandchildren Bruce and Jeremiah, and two sisters Sally and Susan.

Dean’s family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a very important part of his life, and all remember how he read to them growing up.  He cherished the bonds he shared with his family and took every opportunity to express how much he loved and was proud of each of them.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), or the Harriman-Jewell Series.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date, when family and friends can gather to honor and remember Dean.