Dean Wasem, age 68 of Surprise, Arizona, formerly from Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away December 28, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Dean graduated in 1959 from William Chrisman High School, Independence, Missouri. He began his career in marketing with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in the early 60's. He rose rapidly in management and worked at the company headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. He started the first professional marketing and sales training center for the company in Dallas, Texas. He was a strong leader, coach and motivator of people. He was a role model for sales executives in the telecommunications industry. He was a strong competitor and his sales teams led the company results for many years. He was well respected by all those who worked with him. He finished a strong sales management career in 1990 and soon after moved from Kansas City to Surprise, Arizona.

Dean liked all kinds of sports and especially enjoyed playing golf and boating with friends and family. He organized many golf tournaments for the company and built lasting relationships both in business and personally. He enjoyed and supported the KC Royals and KC Chiefs for many years and he made opening dates special for his friends and clients. Dean liked to laugh and enjoyed having fun with close friends and family. His personal qualities served as a magnet in attracting new friends everywhere he traveled.

Dean loved his three children Sean, Tonya and Chad. He often talked proudly of them and their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his father Fred A. Wasem and Aunt Verda Pasdach.

He is survived by his mother Virginia Wasem of Blue Springs, Missouri and his sister Charlene and husband David Boyer of Lee's Summit, Missouri. He leaves three children and their spouses, Sean (Victoria) Wasem of Wakeforest, North Carolina, Tonya (Steve) Nester of Leesberg, Virginia and Chad (Becky) Wasem of Lee's Summit, Missouri. He also leaves four grandchildren and a host of great friends around the country. Dean never met a stranger. He loved people and was loved by many in return.

Graveside services will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Englewood Cemetery, Clinton under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton.