Dr. Eric L. Kean

Dr. Eric L. Kean, 59, passed away March 2, 2019 following a melanoma diagnosis.
Kean was born in Aurora, Colo., Aug. 15, 1959. After graduating from Star Spencer High School, he earned his business degree at the University of Oklahoma. In 1986, he and Sherry Cornelison married in Oklahoma City, Okla. Kean received his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center in 1995. He then completed a year of post doctoral training and received his Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) certificate from the USAF residency at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He retired from the Armed Forces at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service. In 2000, he settled in Monett with his wife and two children where he worked in private practice. Kean held a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and was a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
He volunteered with the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master and Committee Chair and tackled high adventure trips and mentor relationships with his own son and the youths of the community. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis where he served as president 2011-2012. The Kean family made their church home at the First Baptist Church of Monett where for two years he organized an outreach program providing complimentary dental care. Blessed with a creative spirit, he fostered various musical and artistic endeavors, and in his final years sang in the church choir.
He is survived by: his wife of 32 years; children, Rebecca and Michael Kean; brother, Ricky, and a host of family. Kean is preceded in death by his parents Donna (Murphy) and Jim Kean and sister, Linda Zeien.
Funeral services were held March 5, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Monett. Interment and military honors followed at Oakdale Cemetery in Monett. Memorials may be made to The Boy Scouts of America, Troop #38 or the First Baptist Church building fund in care of the funeral home. Arrangements were under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett.