Donnie Eugene ‘Don’ Paden, 89, passed away Nov. 17, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Great Bend, Kan. He was born on July 31, 1936, in Siloam Springs, Ark., to Clarence Herman and Walsie Bryan (Cook) Paden. Don graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1957 and Manhattan Christian College in 1973. He also attended classes at John Brown University, Cloud County Community College, and Barton Community College. On June 19, 1965, he married Eula Beth White in Manhattan, Kan. She passed on May 11, 2025.

A resident of Great Bend since 1977 coming from Plainville, Don was a pastor for 40 years, serving at Matfield Green Community Church, Roseville Christian Church, Jewell Christian Church, Plainville Christian Church, and Pawnee Rock Christian Church, as well as chaplain for the Great Bend Police Department and Barton County Sheriff Reserves for over 30 years. In addition to his ministry roles, he was a Walmart Associate for 15 years and assistant funeral director for 7 years. Don proudly served the county for 8.5 years in the Army National Guard in Arkansas. He was a member of the Noon Lions Club, served as the Riley School PTA president and Golden Belt Diabetes Association chairman, and was a talented ventriloquist. Don enjoyed fishing and cherished spending time with his family.

Survivors include five children, Kathy Covert and husband Steve of South Lyon, Mich., David Paden and wife Amy of Great Bend, Bill Paden and wife Anne of Great Bend, Edy Calvert and husband Rick of Great Bend, and Shari Karst of Great Bend; 13 grandchildren, Mason Paden and wife Ally, Austin Young and wife Amber, Branden Paden and wife Taylor, Ethan Covert and fiancé Kathy Zhu, Donovan Paden, Daulton Paden, Avery Covert, Adam Covert, Dylon Paden and fiancé Paige Heine, Kyra Calvert, Cody Karst, R.J. Calvert, and Luke Karst; three great grandchildren, Isom Paden, Bentley Young and Wrenleigh Young, with one more on the way; and sister, Doris Pennington and husband Bob of Ozarks, Mo. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years and 11 months; parents; great grandchild, Brecklyn Paden; brother, Cleo Bryan Paden; and nephew, Steven Pennington.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at First Christian Church with Reverend Joshua Leu presiding. Inurnment will follow at a later date. Visitation will be held noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 20, 2025