Dean Paul Bloodgood, 92, died peacefully after a short illness in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Dean was born January 11, 1934 to Dean Ward Rackley and Lillie Flatt Bloodgood in Pomona, California. He lived his school years in Austin, Texas, showing art skills well beyond other school subjects.

Dean received his BFA from the University of Texas; then received an MFA from the University of Southern California. Dean taught at the University of Illinois before joining the faculty at Oklahoma State University where he taught painting and drawing from 1964 to 2005. His work continues to be exhibited in galleries around the country and is a part of many permanent and private collections. When he was not teaching, he could be found on the tennis courts nearly every day, hiking in the Gila and birdwatching everywhere.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Zayat-Bloodgood and preceded in death by his first wife, Melanie May, and son, Forest Bloodgood. He leaves behind son, Grant Bloodgood and three granddaughters, Surreal, Isis and Mesa; and nephews, Marty(Muriel) Secker; Harry Secker and Paul (Heather) Secker as well as great nieces and nephew, and a host of friends, colleagues and former students.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made to Tall Grass Prairie, Stillwater Tennis Association or the OSU art department scholarship in his name.

A memorial service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Salem Lutheran Church. A celebration follows at 4 pm in the pines of the Botanic Gardens at OSU. Bring an outdoor chair. If there is inclement weather, we will be in the classroom building.