Carl Soden, 92, died May 8, 2008 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born May 21, 1915 at Hardy, Arkansas, the son of James Walter and Mahala Elizabeth Brummit Soden. He married Dorothy O. Brueggaman December 21, 1946 at Mission, Kansas. Mr. Soden was a school teacher and started the Great Bend Recreation Center in Great Bend, retiring in 1981. Mr. Soden was a resident of Great Bend since 1949, moving from Coffeyville, Kansas. He was a World War II Army and Navy veteran, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Mr. Soden was a member of St. John Episcopal Church, Rotary, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Great Bend. He was a charter member of Kansas Parks and Recreation, was past president and a member of the Hall of Fame. He was a graduate of Caney High School and was in their Hall of Fame. Additionally, Mr. Soden was a member of the Emporia State Alumni and Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. Surviving Mr. Soden are his wife, Dorothy O. Soden, of the home; one daughter, Doris Butler, M.D., Wichita, Kansas; and four grandchildren, Erika, Karen Beth, Kirsten, and Derek. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Sara "Sally" Johann Soden; one brother, Cecil Soden; and two sisters, Helen Eagle and Ann Emerson. Graveside memorial services will be at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at Great Bend Cemetery. Father Mark Cowell will officiate. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A memorial fund in Mr. Soden's name has been established with the Great Bend Recreation Commission or the Barton County Community College Foundation for the benefit of the History Department, in care of the funeral home.