Kelley Dean

Kelley Cossins, 59 of Springfield, Missouri, went to be with his Savior on March 29, 2026 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a man of many talents and an unwavering and strong faith.

Growing up in Stockton, Missouri, Kelley became an accomplished runner, earning numerous medals during high school. Beyond the track, he was an avid collector of sports cards; a hobby that brought him much joy. Kelley’s Christian journey started at a Royal Ranger camp out at the age of 13. He felt the call to ministry while still in high school and pursued that call by getting a degree from Central Bible College in Springfield Missouri. Kelley carried forward a proud family legacy as a fifth generation pastor on the Simmons side. Congregations in Sullivan, Missouri; Huntington, Indiana; Stockton Missouri; and Humansville, Missouri all witnessed his love for them and most of all his love for Jesus. Kelley’s ministry touched the lives of countless people throughout his journey. He will be remembered for his love of prayer, the deep kindness he extended to everyone he met, and his goofy side.

Kelley is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Emily Beth (Simmons), his sister Carla Papenfuhs, half siblings Patricia Goodwin, Cheryl and Terry Goodwin, David and Lynn Pyle, Craig Pyle, Jeff and Lynn Pyle, Kerry and Margie Pyle, Sherry and Mark Griffith, and sister in laws Cherryl Daugherty and Alicia Jones. Kelley was affectionately known as “Guga” to his many nieces and nephews and “Kiki” to his great nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly.

Kelley was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Doris Pyle; his in-laws Bill and Ethel Simmons; stepsisters Brenda Campbell and Dorothy Maslin; stepbrothers Dickie Pyle; sister law Judy Taylor; brothers in law Elton Maslin, Tommy Goodwin, Chuck Daugherty, and John Taylor; and his grandparents Virgil and Ruby Pyle and Bennie and Genevieve Simmons.

A service celebrating Kelley’s life will be held Monday, April 6 2026 at 1:00 pm, Stockton Christian Church, 703 West Street, Stockton, Missouri 65785.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to Lighthouse Christian Center, PO Box 296, Stockton, Missouri 65785 or the Mercy NICU Reunion, Mercy Hospital NICU, c/o Kara Vinson, 1235 E Cherokee St, Springfield, Missouri 65803 or Kara’s Venmo is @Kara-Vinson-3.