Lincoln — Maurice Dean Joyce passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Springfield.
Dean was born June 22, 1930, in Coffeen, IL to Reece and Gladys Joyce. He grew up on a farm in Coffeen with 2 brothers: Bliss (Ollie) and Darrell, and if stories are true, he was definitely a wild child.
His mother Gladys died in 1935 and his father married Mae who loved those boys well. Dean joined the Army and served proudly and honorably in Korea during the Korean War. When he came back, he met Ruth Ann Sutton, the love of his life. They married and together raised 3 children: Kay Joyce Kirk, Gary Joyce, and Shirley Joyce.
Dean worked for the State of Illinois and then went to work for Caterpillar, retiring from there in 1990. Dean loved cars and always kept his cars clean and shining. In his younger years, he would buy old trucks and restore them, drive them for a while then sell them and start all over again. He loved country music and westerns. He could tell you the stars of all those shows. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and followed them his whole life. He kept up with the stats, and always believed they would win the World Series again.
Dean is survived by his 2 daughters, Kay and Shirley (Rob), 6 grandchildren: Bobby (Stacey) Kirk, Matt (Julia) Kirk, Katy (will) Knapp, Ben (Penny) Tutter, Jon (Melody) Tutter, and Aimee Miller. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, with number 15 due in April. He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as a brother-in-law, David, and sister-in law, Linda.
Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Joyce; son Gary Joyce; parents Reece, Gladys and Mae Joyce; brothers Bliss and Darrell; and sons-in-law Robert Kirk and Mike Tutter, as well as Ruth Ann’s brothers and sisters.
Dean lived a good life and will be sorely missed by all of his survivors.
Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Graveside Services at New Union Cemetery in Lincoln are planned for Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Military Rites to be provided by Lincoln American Legion Post #263.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VFW or American Legion.
Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln is assisting the family with arrangements.
