Edward Claude Olden

Edward Claude Olden passed away Wednesday August 10, 2016 at his home in Hays, Kansas. He was born February 9, 1980 in Denver, Colorado, to Claude Edward Olden and Kathleen Odella Wellington. He was one of 19 children. Ed began his school years in Hill City, Kansas, beginning with kindergarten and graduating with the Hill City High School Class of 1999. Ed made friends quickly and as teachers recall was a willing student who practiced following the rules. He could always be seen in the middle of a rag-tag playground football game during recess. He grew up loving football. Wray Petrie, Ed’s grandmother raised him to manhood. She and Ed were especially close. He always enjoyed spending time with family. He was the Brother Bear to his cherished sister, Jamie, and his other siblings as well. He was a man of faith and had an essential relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Big Ed loved sports and avidly participated in football, wrestling, and track both at Longfellow Middle School and HHS. He was greatly inspired by the athlete his father was, and football soon became his favorite sport. Ed had a successful football career at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. If you spent even a short time with Ed, you knew he was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan. Big Ed (as he was lovingly called) never met a stranger. Wherever he went, he seemed to know everyone and became instant friends with all. He had a heart of gold and was always looking out for other people. His six year employment with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas was very important to him. He sincerely enjoyed caring for people. He was a sort of “super hero” to many. Before Ed’s untimely death, Ed had begun making future plans to establish a Youth Boys’ Home, to be named Hands of Strength, Inc. Maybe that is why he enjoyed superhero movies. If there was one playing at the local theatre, you would find Ed buying a ticket or two, as he often took his nephew, Davian, to catch the show. He was preceded in death by his adored father, Claude Edward Olden, and his beloved grandmother, Wray Petrie. Ed leaves behind to mourn, seven brothers: Rodger Swanson, Ali Swanson, Claude E. Olden, Jr., Isaiah Claypool, Xavier Claypool, Dominique Brown, and Quintin Brown; sisters: Jamie Alexander, Linda Olden, Sherry Olden, Brenda A. Olden, Angela Cassidy, Tamara D. Wilson, Sarah M. Olden, Tawanna Olden, Trashasans Graves (Renaldo), Miasha Brown, and Nikolya Brown: a large extended family and many friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing Ed will remember his unselfish heart, his contagious smile, and gentle kindness. Ed, you are dearly loved and missed, but we are at peace knowing that you are smiling down on us from your heavenly home.