Long time Walking Horse enthusiast, owner and breeder, Jon Dean Scott passed from this earth February 7, 2017 of acute renal failure while residing at Century Pines Assisted Living in Ozark, Missouri. He was born March 30, 1936 in Blue Eye, Missouri to parents Charles Eugene (Gene) and Ruby Harryman Scott. Being an only child J. Dean was an apple in the eye of his adoring grandparents, Chester (Pappy) & Winnie (Granny) Scott and Reverend Henry & Cynthia Harryman. Dean was baptized at an early age and his faith remained strong throughout his life.
He was a standout athlete at Harrison Arkansas High playing football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating in 1954 Dean’s love of sports continued throughout his life as he cheered his favorite teams—the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. As much as Dean loved watching baseball, football and basketball on television his greatest joy was raising and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. Watching his most prized, Magic’s Pure Ritz, compete for World Championship honors was Dean’s greatest thrill.
After graduating from Coffeyville College in 1959 with an Associate of Arts degree Dean received an Honorable Discharge from the Army National Guard. His degree lead to a sales position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma where he was honored with the 1964 Distinguished Salesman Award. From there he moved to the Nashville, Tennessee area to become more involved with his beloved Tennessee Walking horses and develop his breeding program of award winning foals. While in Tennessee Dean focused his outstanding sales abilities in the automotive industry. Memberships included the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association, the Tennessee Squires, a Society for the Preservation of Early American Art (Tennessee type) and the Heart of America Walking Horse Association.
In 1990 Dean moved back to Blue Eye to care for his ailing father until Gene’s passing in 1995. In 2004 Dean’s love of watching his show horses brought him to the Springfield, Missouri area. His Missouri trained horses were campaigned to great success in amateur and professional ranks by a select few of very fortunate riders hand-picked by Dean. He loved to watch his horses in action.
J. Dean, as he was affectionately called by his family, had a big heart and loved large. To that end his wives included Virginia, the mother of J. Dean Scott II (Chip), Irene, the mother of daughter Linda Kay, Rita, and Debbie. His family survivors include Chip, Linda Kay, cousins Brenda Drumm, Deanna Boyer and Dwayne Harriman. Dean’s quick wit and entertaining personality won him many friends who became like family including Lauren, Peyton, Debbie and Claire.
Thank you to the caring and dedicated staff of Century Pines Assisted Living and for the very attentive personnel from Seasons Hospice, Christina, Bobbie Jo and Preacher Bill.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated for the St. Louis Shriners Children’s Hospital or the Blue Eye Cemetery Fund.
Visitation will be at 1:00 with services at 2:00 on Friday, February 10th at the First Baptist Church of Blue Eye under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Burial will be in the Scott Family area of the Blue Eye Cemetery following the service.