Donald Dean Ludlum, 78, Iola, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at Allen County Hospital.
Dean was born June 12, 1934, on the family farm west of Elsmore, the son of William Russell and Meryl (Alderman) Ludlum. He grew up on the farm and attended school in Elsmore. He drove the school bus as a high school student and graduated from Elsmore High in 1952. He graduated from Neosho County Junior College where he played basketball and then served in the U.S. Army where he was recruited to play basketball.
On Sept. 26, 1954, Dean married Lila Rose Jackson at Bronson. They made their home in Elsmore most of their married lives. She preceded him in death May 2, 2004, and Dean moved to Iola in 2005.
Dean worked in the oil fields beginning with Ludlum and Sons at Elsmore and continuing in Oklahoma and Goodland. He worked seven years at Berg Manufacturing in Iola before he retired.
He was a member of the Chanute American Legion, Elsmore Ruritan Club, former Elsmore councilman, Bronson Social Club and Monkey Butt Social Club. Dean enjoyed children and was a big supporter of local ball teams. He also enjoyed attending the Fort Scott Jubilee.
Survivors include two children, Debra Grace Ludlum, Iola, and Don “Pete” Ludlum and wife, Brenda, Bonita Springs, Fla.; one sister, Donna Bauer and husband, Don, Iola; five grandchildren adn one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother David “D.A.” Ludlum.
Cremation has taken place.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel which is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Dean Ludlum
