Gerald Dean Mullen
Gerald Dean Mullen, the first child of Robert Glenn and Ellen Jean (Thompson) Mullen, was born July 12, 1940, at home in rural Taylor County, Iowa, midwifed by his grandmother.

He died on May 23, 2013, age 72, at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, Missouri, after having endured something bigger and stronger than he, cancer.

Gerald began his career in Bedford, Iowa, about the same as most small town young men during that time, first as a gas station attendant and then a department manager at the local Hy-Vee. But his work passion was as a horseman. He formally began his career on a cattle ranch in Hopkins, Missouri, working on horseback, herding cattle, with calf roping as a favorite hobby. He moved frequently in this line of work, and retired from Sqar Ranch near Blythedale, Missouri.

Gerald was a man of high standards and a deep sense of morality with the strength to carry them out. Strong willed, disciplined, barrel chested, with a signature belly laugh, all necessary qualifications for his life of hard work.

He married Linda Sue Anderson in 1959. They later divorced. Two children were born to them, Teri Lynn and Randy Dean. Gerald spent the rest of his life with his dear Lynn Lathrum of Bethany and made her four sons part of him.

Left behind are his two children, Teri of Bethany and Randy (wife Kim) of Chillicothe. Brothers, Larry Mullen (Susie) of Bedford, Denny Mullen (Debby) of St. Joseph, Missouri, Kelly Mullen (Pamela) of Oak Grove, Minnesota. Sisters, Dianna Davidson (Alan) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Kay McLearen of Bedford. Four grandchildren, Amanda Mullen, Jeremy Mullen (children Noah, Keona and Gunner Mullen), Danielle Mullen and Chelsea Mullen. Ten nieces and nephews. Fourteen great nieces and nephews. Lynn’s four sons, Roe Betts of Grand Junction, Colorado, Tracy Betts (deceased), Tim Lathrum, St. Joseph, and Ross Lathrum of Bethany; their children Trey Lathrum, Shea Lathrum and Maddie Lathrum and four other children residing in Colorado. Gerald was in heart and spirit a grandfather to them. Preceding him in death were his parents, a granddaughter, Katie, and wife Linda Mullen.

No formal services are scheduled. Gerald’s ashes will be interred at Graceland Cemetery in rural Taylor County, Iowa at a later date. This cowboy rides home to rest. Online condolences may be shared at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
[Note: Online obituary available at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.]