Albert Dean Woolery, 95, died August 23, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas, just a few weeks after the death of Juanita Faye (Taylor) Woolery, his wife of 73 years.

Born May 15, 1931, Albert grew up on his family's farm in what is now Overland Park, Kansas, the son of Jonathan Westly Woolery and Leta Muriel (Smith) Woolery. He and Juanita later made their home in Roeland Park, Kansas, where they lived for more than 60 years and raised their family.

Albert was a professional photographer, but photography was only one expression of a remarkably creative and curious life. He also experimented with filmmaking and was a writer, writing fiction that included novels and a novella, as well as short stories, essays and newspaper articles. A largely self-taught musician and composer, he wrote his own music and maintained a lifelong love of classical music and the arts.

His faith was also an important part of his life. During his children's younger years, Albert preached and taught at Roanoke Christian Church.

Albert was a hands-on father and a natural teacher, passing along both practical skills and intellectual curiosity. Home improvement projects became lessons in construction, plumbing and wiring; work in the yard taught gardening; and trips to Table Rock Lake became opportunities to learn to fish. He taught his children to work on cars and tackle do-it-yourself projects—along with the wisdom to know when it was time to call a professional.

Just as importantly, Albert shared his curiosity and creativity. He passed along his love of photography to his son, Richard, an interest that continues today. With his daughter, Janice, he fostered a lifelong love of art, literature, photography and filmmaking that would influence her own creative endeavors. Whether teaching his children to use a camera or a tool, appreciate a work of art, or simply discover the satisfaction of learning how to do something for themselves, Albert's influence continued long after the lesson itself was over.

That love of making things extended outdoors as well. Albert transformed the backyard of the family's Roeland Park home into an extensive garden and wildlife refuge, creating a place that reflected both his creativity and his appreciation of the natural world.

Quiet and modest about his own accomplishments, Albert was an interested and observant man who continued to create throughout his life. Among his treasured experiences was a 25th anniversary trip to Italy with his wife Juanita. They had said early in their marriage that they would go. They both were thrilled to see and enjoy immersing themselves in the art and culture. And Dad had the opportunity to see Michelangelo's David in person. Something he had always wanted to do.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita; his parents, Jonathan and Leta Woolery; his sister, Ruby Alberta (Woolery) Freeman; and his half-siblings, Elmer Woolery, H. Webster Woolery, Estella J. (Woolery) Rousse, and Charlotte M. (Woolery) Donham.

He is survived by his son, Richard Dean Woolery and his wife, Kathy (Supple) Woolery; his daughter, Janice Elaine Woolery and her fiancée, Jacqueline Amweg; and his granddaughter, Lauren Woolery.

Albert's life encompassed 95 years of extraordinary change, yet his enduring pleasures remained remarkably constant: family, photography, literature, music, art, faith, nature, and the satisfaction of creating something of his own.

A celebration of Albert's life will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Countryside Christian Church, 6101 Nall Avenue, Mission, Kansas 66202.

The service will reflect the things Albert loved throughout his life—the people who shared it with him, music, literature, photography, art, faith, nature, and the creative life he quietly pursued for so many years. Family and friends are warmly invited to come, share memories, and help celebrate a life far richer and more interesting than Albert himself was ever inclined to admit.

Albert always imagined that his memorial would be a small affair. His family hopes his friends and family will prove him wrong.

A light meal and time for celebration of Albert will follow the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside Christian Church or any small arts organization in Albert’s name.