Private family services for Donald Frank Ogden, 83, Lawrence, will be 10 am Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Live streaming will be on Rumsey-Yost Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/RumseyYostFuneralHomeandCrematory Streaming will be broadcast at Victory Bible Church. Everyone is welcome to attend the burial at Oak Hill Cemetery following. A visitation will be 6-7:30 pm, Friday, July 24, 2020, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Don passed on July 20, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born October 26, 1939 in Cairo, Kansas, the son of Frank “Ervin” and Christina Elizabeth Wilbanks Ogden. He spent the first three years of schooling in a one room school house in Cairo, KS. The rest of his schooling took place in Preston, Kansas. He graduated from Preston High School in 1954.
During high school he worked for Simmons Grocery in Preston, KS. Later he worked at the Pratt Tribune in 1954 as ad salesman and page composition for the next 8 years. On May 7, 1962, Don worked as the ad and page composition person for the Lawrence Journal World and would do this for the next 45 years. During this time he worked part time at Outlook Weekly in 1962.
Don married Dolores Jean Sparks on December 27, 1959, at the Church of God in Pratt, KS. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his son, Derk Leon Ogden and wife Hope, grandchildren Joshua Luke, Ashley Nicole, C. Trey, step grandchildren, Nicole Risi, Cami Jo Ford, Colton Staus, great grandkids Jeffrey Espinosa and Kaylee Ogden, Vonn and Nikaia Risi, son D. Christopher Ogden, granddaughter Jun A. Ogden and her mother Jun Liang.
He accepted Jesus Christ at the Church of God in Pratt, KS. October 1958. His commitment to ministry began at that time and has never wavered. Don has worked in all aspects of ministry: janitor, youth leader, board member, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and Lay Minister (Preached his first sermon at the old Church of God on New Hampshire St.) He also preached the first sermon at Indian Hills Church of God. Don was ordained by International Ministers Forum in April 6, 1987, ministering in the Garnett Area and Louisburg KS., Word of Life Church. He helped start Bethel Fellowship in Cleveland, Mo for 22½ years.
Fulfilling a 45 year old desire to work at a funeral home, he helped with services at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home until the fall of 2019.
Ministering to Don was not just within the walls of the church. He has shared his home with countless persons who needed a place to live. Sunday dinners were provided for a group of KU students after Church. Lots of food was enjoyed. Still in contact with several after 50 years. Don was privileged to perform several weddings and funerals for some Journal World employees. He was on assignment to his fellow dialysis patients and staff, giving them an encouraging word and praying for them. As one of his doctors said, “Don you are living your faith.”
Don attended regularly and preached on occasion at Victory Bible Church until his health made him unable to do so.
In lieu of flowers Don suggested memorial contributions in his name made to Victory Bible Church, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
