Larned - On December 28, 2011, the Lord of life and death granted eternal life to His servant and long time Larned resident, Bob Dryden.

Robert Scott Dryden was born September 10, 1924, in Pawnee County Kansas, the seventh of eight children born to John Lincoln and Ruth Claire (Scott) Dryden. He was made a redeemed child at his baptism at Ash Valley Methodist Church by Rev. Cleveland Brown on March 8, 1925.

Immediately upon graduation from Larned High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theatre of Operations as an Engineer Equipment Operator: Demolition Specialist, Engineer (553) where he saw action on Guadalcanal, Tinian, Okinawa and the occupation of China. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal.

After returning to Pawnee County Bob began farming northwest of Larned. On January 4, 1948, he was united in holy matrimony with Velda Lenora Ernsting at St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Albert, Kansas. This union was blessed with four children. Bob was a faithful husband, successful farmer/stockman and good provider. The power of receiving and offering forgiveness was evident in his life.

Bob was a member of the District 495 Board of Education in the 1970's, and his membership in the Larned Lion's Club was especially dear to him.

Bob was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, Larned. He served on boards, helped lead youth activities and sang tenor in the choir. He especially enjoyed hosting church picnics, bonfires and corn boils in a sheltered spot near Ash Creek in his pasture.

In 2006 Bob and Velda retired to Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a resident of the Good Samaritan Society nursing home for the past four years.

Those who are comforted in God's redeeming grace for Bob Dryden include: Daughter, Glenda (Ronny) Schuft, Glencoe Minnesota, three sons, Harold (Val) Dryden, Hutchinson, Kansas, Ronald (Linda) Dryden,Buhler, Ks. Marvin (Janelle) Dryden, Honolulu, Hawaii, eleven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, two sisters, Edith Haun, Larned, Lois (Clyde) Vasey, Winfield, Sisters-in-law, Marilyn Dryden, Gillette, Wyoming and Viola (Joe) Sandstrom, Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Grace Lutheran Church, Larned with pastor Richard Langness presiding. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday with family present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will immediately follow at the Larned Cemetery where his body will be placed to await the great resurrection promised by Jesus. Memorials may be designated to Grace Lutheran Church or Orphan Grain Train. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.