Biography: Leroy Dean Wingert of Little Rock passed away May 2, 2024, of natural causes. Dean was born June 1, 1943, in Dodge City, Kansas to Robert Charles Wingert and Alice Arlene Wingert (Hurley). Dean was always an independent spirit, finding his passion early on in the skilled game of golf. He dedicated himself to learning, spending his time on the golf course. In 1969, he moved his young family to Little Rock, Arkansas to begin his Arkansas golf career at Riverdale Country Club. Soon thereafter, Dean took on an assistants’ position at Pleasant Valley Country Club under his mentor and friend, Cliff Calderwood. After serving many years as golf pro at PVCC, running the golf shop, and the entire golfing operation, Dean took a break from the golfing world. He couldn’t stay gone from the golfing business, so he started Log Cabin Driving Range in Searcy. Not long after, Dean became the golf pro at River Oaks Golf Club until his retirement. Dean was a beloved golf teacher to many adults and children who remember him fondly.
 
Those who knew Dean remember him as one tough cookie who expected excellence. Those closest to him would know he was really a big softie and extended help to so many who crossed his path. He never hesitated to help family. After retirement, Dean and his wife Doris enjoyed traveling. Dean was always working on a project, whether it was restoring antique log cabins or building his quirky creations and furniture from salvaged items. Parkinson’s disease severely impacted his abilities, but he continued to dabble in small building projects, taking great pride in his creations.
 
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Arlene, and his brother Bobby. Dean is survived by his wife, Doris Freshour, his only child, Valerie Wingert (Steve Evans), and his only grandchild, Wyndham Evans, his sisters Carol Tompkins (Ray), and Joleen Wingert (Polito). Extended family includes many wonderful nieces and nephews and their children.
 
A memorial service is planned for May 29, 9 a.m. at River Oaks Golf Club in Searcy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dean’s name to The First Tee of Central Arkansas or Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of
RuebelFuneralHome.com