Letters I received about Ora Dean

(from my brother, Steve, about our Grandpa)

 

This story is from Fred W Baker, Kirkwood, Missouri

I had the good fortune and pleasure of knowing Ora Dean. I came to Kirkwood in 1937 from St. Louis Missouri. I was the Manager of the Kroger Store on the Main street. Ora was a good Cop and well liked and respected by all who knew him. Ora was a customer at my store and when at times he was short of cash, I gave him credit until payday. He never failed to pay. He came in the store one day; he had a new set of dentures and wanted to try them out. I gave him an apple and he bit in to it hard, stopped, felt his jaw and then said “Well they are ready for use”!

 

One day when he was at the store and not in uniform, I walked him out to his car and we were talking. As he got into his car, a fellow came up and asked him for some money. Ora said “ Hey fellow, I am working this side of the street you take the other side”. I have many wonderful stories of Ora Dean. I look forward to the day when I can put my arms around Ora and say HI, NEIGHBOR, you can be very proud that Ora Dean is your grandfather. My eyesight is not very good now, I am 92 this year, on the 4th of July.

 

This story comes from Ronald O. Krieger, Kirkwood, MO.

 

Dear Steve Holdenried,

I read your letter of inquiry in Webster-Kirkwood Times concerning you grandfather, Ora Dean. I remember him very well and it brings back a few memories. My father had a business, the O K Hatchery and your grandfather lived on Taylor around the corner. I recall him as a friendly yet stern gentleman. He came into our store occasionally and I remember waiting on him.  I knew from others that he was a model police officer and particularly excelled in communicating with troubled kids. In particular I remember the stories of him being an ex-prize fighter and fighting someone famous. My most vivid recollection, and I hope correct about this , was that, in his front yard, was a huge specimen (20 to 30 foot high holly tree) and he took good care of it. A couple of customers of ours were ardent gardeners and one especially, Spenser Robinson, specialized in growing hollies. He was particularly jealous of your grandfather’s tree. It was a sad day when this tree came down to build the Target Store building.

 

I hope you are receiving a lot of stories because of your article. Ora Dean was certainly a gentleman to be proud of.