Dennis A Bearden

Dennis A. Bearden, 76, passed away on June 10, 2022, in Wichita, Kansas, after enduring a long illness -- but only after a much longer, and very full, life. Dennis lived his first several years in Ash Flat, Arkansas. As a child, he moved with his family to Hutchinson, Kansas. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1963 and Wichita State University in 1967, with a degree in secondary education. In Hutchinson, he met the love of his life, Sara. They married on Dec. 21, 1968. For a time, he taught school. For much of his career, he worked as a commercial construction estimator. Dennis continued to work into his 70s. But with Sara he found all kinds of recreation. He appreciated Sara's cooking and enjoyed eating out in Wichita and Kansas City. He would give an account of something Sara had cooked or a meal out, and whether it was a simple sandwich or fine dining, he would emphatically conclude, "And it was wonderful!" The couple were long-time Kansas City Chiefs fans, attending games in all kinds of losing or winning seasons and weather over the decades. They were devoted patrons of the Wichita Symphony. They went on cruises and traveled to Europe with friends. They enjoyed ballroom dancing together. He did not take the pleasures and simple comforts of life for granted. One of his annual rituals was going to Dollar Day at the Kansas State Fair and getting a Pronto Pup. Dennis will be remembered for his entertaining stories, his piercing blue eyes and thick white hair, his gentle demeanor -- and his kindness, from giving a ride to a stranger who needed a lift from the grocery store, to dropping off fire-starter wood from his oak tree or bananas on sale to the front porch of a friend. He had a family of longtime friends. He made sure to feed the birds and give them water, even in frigid weather, in his backyard. He and Sara nurtured a succession of beloved house cats. In all these ways, and countless more, Dennis left his mark and will be missed. For all these reasons and more, he was loved. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William and Estie Bearden; sisters, Elwanda Curley and Tommy Richardson; and brothers, Don Bearden and Billy Bearden. Survivors include his wife, Sara Bearden; sisters, Elaine Collins and Linda Day; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Sara wants to thank the staff at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for the wonderful care he received. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. June 24 at Downing & Lahey East. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. June 25 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are with the Kansas Humane Society or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.