Neal Dean Fear, age 68 of Sutherland passed away at his home on April 23, 2015.
Dean was born on January 21, 1947 in North Platte, NE to Neal Earl and Lola Elaine (Knoles) Fear. He completed K-8 south of Sutherland at Plainview Country School The family then moved to a farm north of Sutherland in 1960 where he finished his education at Sutherland Public Schools, graduating in 1965. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserves. In 1969, he began his farming and ranching career with his brother Clarence Fear north of Sutherland. While farming, he worked construction at the Gerald Gentleman Station, traveled on a harvest crew to Texas, worked for Hi-Line Coop, and did custom work for area farmers. He was a strong supporter of 4-H, FFA, and livestock judging. He followed his nieces and nephews during their school events and livestock projects and he was very proud of his family’s accomplishments. Dean was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing and telling stories of his many adventures which included trips to the Lucky 13, for goose hunting, bear hunting in Minnesota, fishing in Canada, deer hunting around Sutherland, elk and moose hunting in Wyoming, with his many friends and family. He was very knowledgeable about firearms, and spent many hours shooting and reloading ammunition and reading various hunting books and magazines. He obtained his pilot’s license through Trego Aviation and really enjoyed spending time flying.
Dean is survived by his family, Tim (Billie), Tyler and Bailee Fear, Marlo (Martin), Morgan Simpson, Mason and Mataya Roberts; Candace (Andy), April, Karlie and Blake Scott all of Sutherland; Marty Fear of St. Francis, KS; Jason Speck, Johna (Matt) Taylor, Jordan, and Tristen Jablonski all of Imperial.
He was preceded in death by his parents Neal and Lola Fear; sister Eunice Speck; and brother Clarence Fear.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday April 28, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Fischer officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery with military honors. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Monday April 27, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.