Kirby-Morris Funeral Home | Funeral & Cremation Services for El Dorado, KS

Who We Are

Our staff of professionals has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each comes to us because we are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.

When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

Our History

Established in 1958, Ross C. Lane owned and operated Lane Funeral Home South Crest Chapel until 1986 when he retired due to his age, health and so he could travel and enjoy his farm. The staff of Lane Funeral Home South Crest Chapel has carried on the tradition of serving families in the same manner and respect that our business was originally built around. In July 1999, Lane Funeral Home South Crest Chapel completed a $400,000 remodeling project to upgrade our facilities for your convienence.

Lane Funeral Home South Crest Chapel is only associated with Lane Funeral Home Coulter Chapel and Williamson and Sons Funeral Home in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area.

Our Valued Staff

Dick Morris, Licensed Funeral Director / Embalmer / Managing Partner

Dick has been serving families at the Kirby-Morris Funeral Home since 1970. In 1970, Mr. Kirby sold the Kirby Funeral Home to Dick and Ted Morris who were third generation funeral directors. Since that time Dick has been active in the El Dorado community, as well as in the national arena, promoting national campaigns to thank U.S. Veterans. His involvements include: member, the First United Methodist Church, El Dorado, KS; National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA); Kansas Funeral Directors Association; C.F.S.P. Academy of Professional Service; VFW National Americanism Award, 2005; Chairman of the NFDA Communications Committee; Chairman of the Liberty Project with the NFDA; Celebration of Freedom Committee; Mentors more than 200 firms nationwide in Pursuit of Excellence program; Volunteer of the Year Award, El Dorado, KS; Commodore, El Dorado Prairie Port Festival; Past President, Rotary Club International; El Dorado Main Street Board; El Dorado Development Corporation; Celebration of Freedom Committee; Volunteer, American Red Cross,Salvation Army, Cancer Society, American Heart Association.

Dick has also led many outstanding local and national projects, which include, "United We Care", Commemorative Garden" honoring the victims of the 911 attack on the World Trade Center, "Gordy Park Project". Currently, Dick has founded the Let's Help the Homeless Foundation to encourage individuals to donate their time and money to curbing homelessness in America.

Dick is married to Denice and has three grown children. They are Dana (Garry) Shanks, Jennifer (Trevor) Hinz, and Rich (Renee) Morris.
Dale R. Dawson, Licensed Funeral Director / Student Embalmer

Dale started working for Kirby-Morris in July of 2006. Prior to this position, Dale has been a funeral director for five years. Before becoming a funeral director Dale worked in several funeral homes in the Wichita area. Dale retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after thirty-four years of active duty and Reserve time, as a Sergeant Major in the 90th RSC of Little Rock, Arkansas. Dale and his wife Debra are owners of L.J. Thompson Inc. a cushion seat company located in Newton Kansas, their son Daniel is now running the business. Dale and Debra have been involved in the business since 1982 and in 1986 they took over the business. Dale was also involved in the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, being a member of the sports development committee of the Wichita area.

Dale and his family have recently moved to El Dorado from Wichita. Dale is an active member of the Sharon Baptist Church, in Wichita, where he serves as a deacon and the Kansas Funeral Directors Association. Dale has joined the Kiwanis in El Dorado, the VFW Post #1174 and the Captain Edgar Dale American Legion Post #81, both of El Dorado.
Dale is married to Debra, and has two sons, Daniel and Christopher. Dale is excited about his position at Kirby-Morris and would like to meet and assist the community in any way possible.
Debbie Dawson, Administrative Assistant / Notary Public

Debbie started with Kirby-Morris in December 2007 as the Administrative Assistant. She is the wife of funeral director Dale Dawson. She ran her families stadium seat rental business since 1979 and retired in 2004 turning the business over to their son Daniel. Debbie worked two years for a funeral home in Wichita as the assistant office manager/ funeral assistant. Debbie and Dale have two sons Daniel and Chris. Debbie is active in her church as Bible Fellowship Director, teaches and sings in the choir. Since moving to El Dorado she has become active in the community, participating in the ACS Relay for Life as Team Recruitment Chair and hopes to join the Community Choir. Debbie is able to assist anyone in the community concerning authorizing signatures, as she serves as a notary public.
Frank Kratzer, Funeral Assistant / Ambassador

Frank is excited about starting his evening and weekend position as an Ambassador for Kirby-Morris. During the workday Frank is the Community Resource Officer for the El Dorado Police Department. Frank's position at Kirby-Morris has him assisting with celebration of life services, making night calls, and working evening visitations. Frank enjoys participating and assisting with community festivals and parades.

Frank is married to Kay and lives in the community of El Dorado.
Larry Maus, Funeral Assistant / Evening Visitation

Larry has been caring for families during visitation hours and at services since early 2000. Larry is always willing to assist whenever the staff or the families he serves asks and never hesitates to make sure the job is done correctly. Larry is the President of the nighttime Kiwanis Club in El Dorado and enjoys singing weekly at the Park Avenue Baptist Church. He also participates in Butler 2000, the Water Festival at BCC, and BCC Life Enrichment. His avid hobbies include working with wood, repairing electronics, and teaching a Sunday School class for young people in his church.

Larry is married to Lorraine and has two grown children.
Debbie Hall, Ambassador

Debbie joined Kirby-Morris in 2009, she helps with services and visitations. Debbie also helps with community outreach and recognition. She is retired from 30 yrs. in education, serving 28 of those years at Garndview Elementary. She now works at Oil Hill Elementary. Debbie is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and is married to David who works for the Butler County Sheriff's Dept. She has two sons; Josh and his wife Amy and Justin. Two grandchildern: Paxton and Harper Ellison.
Rick Kennedy, Funeral Assistant/Ambassador

Rick joined Kirby-Morris Family in 2009. Rick helps with services and assists our funeral directors with other duties. Rick is a lifetime resident of El Dorado and has served in the U.S. Army as a medical corpsman. He has 24yrs with the El Dorado Police Dept. and currently serves with the Wichita State University Police Dept. Rick is married to Jodi and has one son Austin, and daughters Ashley, Christi, Melissa, and Marsha.