Glen Dean McLaren

Glen Dean McLaren, 81, passed away June 13, 2012 at his home in Pittsburg, KS, with his wife, Darlene at his side.

Glen was born 5 miles west of Earlton, Kansas on August 8, 1930, the third child of Glen Corwin and Velma Jane McLaren.

Glen Dean married Darlene (Frankenbery) on Christmas day, 1952. They had four children, John (Arlene) of Boston, MA, Greg (Amy) of Topeka, KS, Bruce (Michelle) of Corinth, TX and Elaine (Barry) who passed away in 1994. Barry has since remarried to Janet.  He is also survived by grandchildren: Keenan, Courtney, Stephenie, Kristen, Steven, and Corwin; step grandchild Nathan, and a great grandson Colten.   

Also preceding Glen Dean in death was a grandson Andy.

Glen Dean was raised on a farm near Earlton, KS. Glen graduated from Vilas High School where he played on the 5 man basketball team and the baseball team. Glen graduated from Kansas State University in 1952. He proudly served in the US Army until 1953. He was employed by Allis-Chalmers. He joined the Soil Conservation Service in 1956 working in Kansas, Massachusetts and Washington D.C. where he spent the next 24 years working for the Federal Government. While working for the Federal Government, he attended the University of Virginia for one year. Glen Dean was then stationed in Washington D.C. where he worked for the Agriculture Department, then the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and then served as an investigator for the US Senate until his retirement in 1980. After retirement Glen attended Pittsburg State University and received his MBA. He also passed the CPA exam and taught accounting at Pittsburg State University for 11 years, until his “final” retirement. Glen Dean was a big supporter of Pittsburg State Gorilla sports. He attended most football games, and many basketball, volleyball and baseball games. He also attended both of the national championship games which Pittsburg State football won in 1991 and 2011.

Glen Dean was a man of faith and an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg. He served on the Session, as a Trustee, and as a Sunday school teacher and was otherwise very involved. He also was active in the Sunflower Kiwanis since 1985. He wanted everyone in Pittsburg to “buy” a flag from the Kiwanis. Glen also very much enjoyed his Tuesday, Thursday coffee group. Besides loving his wife of 59 years, Darlene, he enjoyed traveling to see family, friends, and foreign lands. Glen Dean visited all 50 states in the USA. Glen was also known to be happy and share his opinions with anyone within hearing distance, especially about HUD. He was a happy, family man who will be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at The Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg, KS, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday June 16th, with Pastor Susan Rosenbaum officiating. There will be a lunch for all to follow in the Life Center at the church. A private burial service will be held prior to the celebration of life. The Benjamin Fuller American Legion Post No. 64 of Pittsburg will conduct the flag folding ceremony. No flowers, please.  Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, to sign the register book. Anyone attending the celebration of life, please wear any Pitt State shirts, jackets, T-shirts or colors, if you choose. Glen will approve!

Memorial contributions are requested to The Presbyterian Church and/or for Athletic scholarships at Pittsburg State University. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS. 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.