Dean Francis McGrath, 88, of Winfield, passed away on December 4, 2023, surrounded by his family. Dean was born on August 10, 1935, in Waverly, Kansas, the fourth of seven children of the late Harry and Effie (Fashing) McGrath. After graduating from Waverly High School, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Germany from 1953 to 1956. He returned to Waverly and married Margaret "Peggy" Williams in 1958. He attended Emporia State University, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education.

Dean enjoyed a lengthy career where he shared his joy for learning and education. He taught high school in multiple Kansas school districts including Horton, Shawnee Mission, and Arkansas City. He also served in public school administration roles in Horton, Arkansas City, and Winfield, and spent over 20 years as Superintendent of Schools at Central of Burden before retiring.

Dean was a devout Catholic and was a member of Holy Name Parish in Winfield for more than 50 years. He was devoted to the Lord, the Church, and the community throughout his lifetime. He demonstrated his servant heart throughout his lifetime in many ways, from volunteering at weekly Mass, working as parochial school principal for both Holy Name and Sacred Heart Catholic Schools during his retirement, providing loving care to his wife Peggy during her years of illness, and numerous and various other acts of quiet service to others in need.

As an avid hobbyist, he spent his free time on activities including beekeeping, woodworking, gardening, coin collecting, and raising cattle. In 2022, he was proud and excited to become a first-time great-grandfather.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife Peggy after 55 years of marriage, his parents, his brother James McGrath, and sister Marjorie (McGrath) Minnis.

Surviving family includes his children Stephanie (Eddy) Clausen of Wichita; Susan McGrath of Auburn; Sheryl (Ed) Byrd of Topeka; Greg (Deena) McGrath of Lawrence; Carolyn McGrath of Tulsa, OK; Diane (David) Kemp of Derby; Ann McGrath of Olathe; David McGrath of Austin, TX, and Christi McGrath (Ilya Simyatitsky) of Maize. In addition, he is survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Dean is also survived by his twin brother Donald McGrath; brothers Philip (Juleen) McGrath, Patrick (Vicky) McGrath, and Edward (Emily) McGrath; and brothers-in-law Jim (Carol) Williams and Ed (Young) Williams, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to thank Dean's loving caregivers, Linda Triplett and Sherry Anderson, for the compassion and support they provided to Dean and his family.

A celebration of Dean's life will include a Rosary on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Holy Name Catholic Church, 412 E 8th Avenue, Winfield, Kansas. Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM, with interment immediately following at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Winfield. Arrangements are under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Holy Name Catholic School.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.