Glenn Opie, lifelong resident of Great Bend, died August 11, 2013, in Olathe, Kansas, after a brief hospitalization for a heart related illness. He was born April 11, 1926 to Edward and Olive Agnes (White) Opie, and was a graduate of the Great Bend Senior High School class of 1944. He went on to serve in World War II as a radio operator aboard the USS Meade DD 602. He returned from the war and received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, followed by his J.D. from KU Law School in 1954. Glenn then returned to his hometown where he was extremely active in the community and practiced law for his entire life. He was a member and past president of the Barton County Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Association, where he served for 19 years on the Public Information Committee with 11 of these as its chairman. He earned the KBA President's "Outstanding Service Award," and during his career was admitted to the Bar and to practice at the Unites States District Court, the Kansas Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court. He was an Explorer Scout Leader for Troop 110, served on the school board for USD 428 for 14 years and the Great Bend City Council for 2 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees and sang in the choir for over 50 years. Throughout the 1950's, 60's and 70's he served as Executive Director of the Argonne Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps, culminating in three national championships in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Most recently he served as the Chairman for the Jack Kilby Memorial Plaza honoring Great Bend's own 2000 Nobel laureate in physics. Glenn's investment in his community has been acknowledged in the form of several awards. He received the Great Bend Jaycees "Distinguished Service Award" for community service, the Kiwanis Club's "Make Great Bend Greater" Award, is a member of the "GBHS Hall of Fame", and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce "Community Award of Honor for Outstanding Service" for his work on Jack Kilby Plaza. He was an avid runner throughout his life well into his 80's, and also carried a great compassion for animals, especially his dogs! Glenn loved Great Bend! He is survived by his wife of 53 years Sandra, his sons: Harlan and wife Katherine Opie of Olathe, Kansas; and Robin and wife Jennifer Opie of Lafayette, Colorado; his grandchildren, Tristan and Eden Opie of Olathe Kansas; and Logan and Bennett Opie of Lafayette, Colorado. He was predeceased by his sister Helen (Opie) Conner. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2013 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Lennie Maxwell officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 15, 2013 and from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Friday, August 16, 2013, all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Glenn Opie Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Contributor: Ken (46854271) •