Kirk Dean Auston, 56, passed away March 29, 2015. Born August 2, 1958, in Denver, Colo., he was the son of Charles and Shyrlee Auston. He was a 1976 graduate of Great Bend High School. While there, he was heavily involved in debate, winning many state titles and attending the National Debate Tournament. He attended the University of Kansas earning a Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and English in 1980. He also attended Trinity College, Oxford, England, studying English Literature. He returned to the University of Kansas and earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy in 1984, and his Juris Doctorate from KU in 1987. After passing the bar exam, Kirk practiced law in the Kansas City area for ten years. He moved to Oklahoma City, Okla., in 1998, where he was Assistant General Counsel at Express Services, Inc. After leaving Oklahoma City in 2013, Kirk relocated back to Kansas. He loved to sail, and enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, cooking, mentoring high school students interested in law or debate, and a good argument. Mr. Auston was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. Survivors include his son, Darden of Oklahoma City, Okla.; his parents, Charles and Shyrlee Auston of Great Bend; one brother, Kenton Auston of Buhler; one sister, Kari Sue Quinn and her husband Steve of Kansas City, Mo.; two nieces; aunts; uncles; and many cousins. Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor J. P. McCamey officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are requested to the Donor's Choice, in care of the funeral home.