Donald Dean Ludlum, 78, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at the Allen County Hospital. Dean was born June 12, 1934, on the family farm west of Elsmore, Kansas, 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 September 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, Kansas. He worked seven years at Berg Manufacturing in Iola before he retired. He was a member of the Chanute American Legion, Elsmore Ruitan 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: 2 Children: Debra Grace Ludlum of Iola, KS and Don "Pete" Ludlum & wife, Brenda of Bonita Springs, FL 1 Sister: Donna Bauer & husband, Don of Iola, KS 5 Grandchildren & 1 Great Granddaughter He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother David "D.A." Ludlum. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, March 4, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. MEMORIAL: St. Jude's Children's Hospital Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.