Dodge City – Q. " Dean" Smalley, 80, departed this life on June 26, 2021, and began his eternal walk with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dean was born on 3 October 1940 at St. Anthony Hospital in Dodge City, the eldest of three sons born to Hubert and Lelah (Thorpe) Smalley.

He grew up in Dodge City, and attended Dodge City Schools. One of the things he enjoyed was playing trumpet in Howard Harms Band. While still in High School, Dean went to work for G.R. Kinney Shoes in Dodge City. Dean graduated from High School with the Class of 1959. He then attended Dodge City Community College, graduating in 1961. After graduation from college, Kinney's transferred Dean to Wichita, Kansas, and then to Denver, Colorado. Dean returned to Dodge City in 1962, and married Joan Miller in September. That union lasted 24 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Lori and Krista. In 1962, he also enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. His basic training took place at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and he was trained as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Dean served with the National Guard in Dodge City for six years, where he worked up to the Chief of the Medical Section. He worked directly under Major Max Deardorff, who has been a significant light in his life. Dean attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and received an Honorable Discharge in 1968.

After completing his active duty training, Dean worked in partnership with Larry and Richard Burke, as manager of Burke's Shoes, and was elected Vice President after 10 years. He worked there a total of 25 years. After the closing of Burke's, he was then offered a position with SAS Shoes, of San Antonio, Texas. He moved to San Marcos, Texas, where he managed the SAS Factory Store, in downtown San Antonio. He also worked in Customer Service. In 1999, he was promoted to District Supervisor of 13 SAS stores in Texas. In Addition, Dean trained employees and Manager Issue Training to existing stores. He was employed at SAS Shoes for 15 years. Dean retired due to failing health in 2005.

Following his retirement, he moved to Kentucky for three years, before returning to Dodge City in 2008.

Dean will be remembered by his family and many friends for his wit and humor, kindness, never meeting a stranger, and selfless personality! Dean's deep Love for his family will always be treasured.

Dean is survived by the Love of his Life, My Phyllisha, (as he always called her), for the past 16 years, who was also his full time Caregiver. She is originally from central Kentucky. He is also survived by two daughters; Lori and husband Jon Fillmore of Wichita, Kansas; Krista and husband Jason Trent of Burrton, Kansas, two sons; Devin S. (Active Duty Air Force, stationed in Spain), and Dane S. and wife Christina of Montana, two brothers, Don and wife Bonnie Smalley of Dodge City, Kansas, Rick and wife Sharon Smalley of Olathe, Kansas, nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to offer sincere Thanks to Hospice of the Prairie and Sunporch Nursing Home for the love and excellent care given to Dean during his final days.

There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place. A Book Signing will be on 26 July 2021 from 8A.M. to 5 P.M. at Swaim Funeral Chapel. A Memorial service with Military Honors will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on 27 July 2021 at 2:00 P.M. with Jeff Hiers officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Dean Smalley Memorial Fund, in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.