Daniel (Dan) Edward Means, 68, of Big Lake, Missouri passed away peacefully Thursday, February 1, 2024 at home.
Dan was born October 16, 1955 in Atchison County, Kansas the son of John and Joann Means. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Dan married Mary Carter on December 17, 1982 in Mission, KS. Mary proceeded him in death on December 12. 2018. To this union they were blessed with 2 daughters, Renee Grable and Danielle Means-Polachek.
Dan graduated from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, KS in 1973. He started his college career at Kansas State University where he majored in “skiing at Tuttle Creek” and was an “Aggieville All Star”. He went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA on the Dean’s List and earned his Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Dan started his banking career as a field examiner with the Office Of State Banking Commissioner (Kansas), followed by approximately 40 years with First State Bank of Elwood/Pony Express Community Bank, Elwood, KS as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. He was also a co-founder of BMS companies and RitePack in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of Order of the Arrow and Tribe of Mic O Say. He was a member of Wathena Masonic Lodge #64, Moila Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters.
Despite his many professional accomplishments, his biggest pride in life was his family. Dan’s favorite moments were spent with his Mary at their home on the lake, spending many days and nights surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren playing card games, sharing a cold beer and cheering on the Kansas State Wildcats in whatever sport was in season. Memories floating on the boat, trips to NASCAR races, family vacations, football games in Manhattan and let’s not forget the time spent with his Big Lake and Forest City friends that became family are the fondest of memories that we will hold onto.
Dan is proceeded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter Danielle Means-Polachek on June 26, 2021.
Survivors include daughter Renee (Craig) Grable of Wathena, KS; grandchildren Carter Hundley, Charlie Grable, and Delainie Hundley all of Wathena, KS, Steven Jr and Charleigh Polachek both of Savannah, MO; Siblings Carol (Richard) Moreland of Topeka, KS and Bob (Linda) Means of St. Joseph, MO; Niece and nephews Brad (Stefanie) Means, Jeff (Andrea) Means, Natalie (Jeffrey) Moreland and Nathan Moreland; several great nieces and nephews and very special friend, Marilyn Quick of Forest City, MO.
Memorial visitation: Rose Ceremony at 5:30 immediately followed by visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas
Memorials: family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to the 139th Airlift Wing Family Readiness Center.
There will be a family inurnment at a later date.
