Biography: Richard “Richi” Daniel Dean, 45, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 16, 2025, from complications of the stroke he had in 2021. Richi was born April 6, 1980, in El Dorado, Arkansas to his parents, Darrell and Reta Dean. This was Easter Sunday in 1980, and Easter will not fall on April 6 again until 2042.

His many friends and co-workers have said that Richi Dean would look you right in the eye, shake your hand firmly, and extend love and respect. His handshake was his bond. He spoke softly and carried a big stick. He was a titan among his fellow service industry folks and far beyond. He was loved and respected.

Richi was preceded in death by his father, William Darrell Dean; his maternal grandparents, John and Hazel Revis of Paris, Arkansas; and his paternal grandparents, Willie and Evelyn Dean of Bismark, Arkansas. He is survived by his mother, Reta Dean of Little Rock, Arkansas; children: Azure Alyse Dean-Starks and Gavin Daniel Dean-Starks of California; Henry David Dean and Hayden Louis Dean of Little Rock, Arkansas;  and brothers: Russell and Rodger Dean of Little Rock, Arkansas.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at The Hillcrest Fountain, 2809 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, Arkansas. Richie was the manager, bartender, counselor, and protector at The Hillcrest Fountain for 14 years. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, RuebelFuneralHome.com

If you can, please contribute to the Go Fund Me account, https://www.gofundme.com/manage/help-mama-dean-and-kids-say-goodbye, that his friends set up to help his mother with final expenses and to get his children in California to Arkansas for his memorial service and return to California. Any amount is appreciated.