Dean Leroy Huxman, 64, passed away on July 17 in Carbondale, Illinois. Dean was born in Topeka, Kansas on March 3, 1962 to Arlene and Alvin Huxman. He attended Highland Park High School and went on to study art at Kansas State University. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Metalsmithing. Dean processed a wide range of construction skills including electrical wiring, welding and HVAC and he pursued a wide range of artistic mediums, contributing to many exhibitions before concentrating on metal sculpture and blacksmithing. Dean spent the last 25 years as a construction worker in the Carbondale area. He lived an independent lifestyle and enjoyed gardening and canning his own food and raising poultry. Dean was a lifelong lover of dogs. Dean had an untamable spirit and was generous with his time and skills to help family and friends. His family will greatly miss him, his wry smile and sense of humor.

Dean is survived by his mother Arlene Huxman of Hutchinson, Kansas, His older sister Marilyn Regier (Leon) of Grant, Nebraska and his older brother Alan Huxman (Patty) of Olathe, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father Alvin Huxman and older brother Wayne Huxman.

A service will be held in the Chapel at Mennonite Friendship Community, 600 Blanchard Rd, South Hutchinson, Kansas on August 15, at 11:00. A service will be held in Carbondale for his friends in that area in September, time and date TBD.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Kansas City Young Audiences in honor of Dean’s passion for the arts. Donations may be made online at www.kcya.org or by mailing a check to: Kansas City Young Audiences, 3732 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Please note that your gift is in memory of Dean.