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

Who We Are

Our professional staff has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. 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

In 1931, the Alderson-Arnold Funeral Home began its operation at 224 W. Ash in El Dorado, Kansas. The funeral directors included Ross Alderson and Manley Arnold. The partnership lasted until 1933 when a local banker in El Dorado bought out the interest of Ross Alderson in 1933. From 1937 until 1939, Mr. Arnold was the sole owner of the funeral home. In 1937, a casket display room was added to the existing structure.

From 1939 until 1949, a new partnership was formed between Manley Arnold and G. Paul Kirby, forming the Arnold-Kirby Funeral Home. During their partnership, they added the present chapel, family room and a new front to the funeral home. In 1949, Mr. Kirby purchased the interest in the funeral home that Mr. Arnold owned. Paul along with his wife Edna operated the funeral home and ambulance operation until the county took over the ambulance business in 1965. During their tenure they built indoor warehouse facilities for over 40 caskets, a drive-through garage with parking for five cars and indoor loading and unloading, and also complete redecoration in 1960. In 1970, Mr. Kirby sold the Kirby Funeral Home to Dick and Ted Morris who were third generation funeral directors.

Our Valued Staff

Dick A. Morris III, 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.

You may contact Dick at dick.morris@carriageservices.com.
Dale R. Dawson, Licensed Funeral Director / Student Embalmer

Dale started working for Kirby-Morris in July of 2006. Dale has been a licensed funeral director since 2001. Before getting his funeral director license, Dale worked in several funeral homes in the Wichita area, he is a second generation funeral director. Dale retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after thirty-four years of active duty and Reservist, 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, their oldist son is now running the business. Dale was also involved in the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, being a member of the sports development committee.

Dale and his family have lived in El Dorado for several years now. Dale is an active member of the Fairview Baptist Church, in rural Towanda, and the Kansas Funeral Directors Association. He is also a member of El Dorado Downtown Kiwanis , the VFW Post #1174 and the Captain Edgar Dale American Legion Post #81.
Dale is married to Debbie, and has two sons, Daniel and wife Amanda and Chris. Dale is excited about his position at Kirby-Morris and would like to meet and assist the community in any way possible.

You can contact Dale at dale.dawson@carriageservices.com.
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 from 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 wife Amanda and Chris. Debbie is active in her church as co teacher for the High School department. Since moving to El Dorado she has become active in the community, participating in the ACS Relay for Life as the Chairman of the 2012 relay and is on the board for the Community Concert Series. Debbie is able to assist anyone in the community concerning authorizing signatures, as she serves as a notary public.

You can contact Debbie at debbie.dawson@carriageservices.com.
Frank Kratzer, Funeral Assistant / Ambassador

Frank has been an Ambassador for Kirby-Morris for several years and we are glad to welcome him as one of are full time staff. He has recently retired as 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 and is a member of the Elks.
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.