LARNED — Donald K. Dreese, 72, passed away March 2, 2026 surrounded by family at his home in Larned.

He was born Feb. 18, 1954 in Great Bend to Anna Mae Walker and Kenneth Dreese.

A lifetime area resident, he was a crane operator and superintendent for L & M Contractors for over 47 years. He was a member of Larned United Methodist Church, however, in recent years he attended St. John Lutheran Church of Ellinwood. Don loved decorating for Christmas and was well known in the community for his large scale displays. A perfectionist and true jack-of-all-trades, Don enjoyed leather working, building, collecting various things, tinkering, tent making, welding, carpentry, and operating heavy machinery.

On June 1, 2023 he married Glenda Lea Johnson in Larned, she survives.

Other survivors include, two sons, Joshua Dreese, Christopher Dreese, both of Larned; a step-son, Samuel (Ashley) McGinnes of Cottonwood Falls; two step-daughters, Tracy Meguiar of Great Bend, Clara (Josh) Taylor of Larned; a sister, Barbara (Ross) Fulton of Larned; seven grandchildren, Mac McGinnes, Bowen McGinnes, Morgan Beckwith, Cameron Beckwith, Chad Beckwith, Charisma Taylor, Constance Taylor; niece and nephews, Jacob Hallman, Shara Stettinger, Ezra Hallman, Levi Hallman; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Deborah Dreese.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday March 7, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with Pastor Kenton Abbott presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 with family present 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Interment will be at Larned Cemetery, Larned. Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.  

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary

P.O. Box 477

Larned, KS  67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 5, 2026