Forrest W. Dryden

Forrest W. Dryden, 94, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on April 26, 2026. He was born on June 29, 1931, in Wellsville, Kansas, to Enda and Joseph Dryden.

Forrest grew up during the Depression, attending a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Wellsville High School. It was there in the heart of Kansas that he began building the life he would come to love. He met the love of his life, Joy McDaniel, and the two were married on November 30, 1955. Together they had a daughter, Susan E. Dryden.

Forrest worked briefly with his brother Clarence at Kansas City Power and Light before finding his calling selling Ford cars at several dealerships in Lawrence, including John Haddock Ford and Laird Noller Ford. After retiring from the car business, he and Joy discovered a shared passion for antiques, opening a shop at Quantrill’s Flea Market and later at Lawrence Antique Mall. The two loved collecting and selling together.

Forrest had two brothers, Ervin and Clarence. He lost Clarence early in life and carried that loss with him always, often speaking of how much he missed him. He treasured his hunting and fishing memories with both brothers, especially his fishing trips to Minnesota with Ervin.

Always one to be on the go, Forrest spent his later years at Arbor Court Retirement Community, where he looked forward to outings and weekend drives with his daughter and son-in-law. He was known for his joking around.

Forrest is survived by his daughter, Susan Cook; his son-in-law, Darren Cook; his grandsons, Dustin and Derek Cook; his brother in-law, Tom McDaniel, and Tom’s wife, Ginger; and his beloved nieces and nephews, including Lynda, Peggy, Randy, Mark, Bonna, Travis, Kim, Brandon, and Jason. He also held a special place in his heart for the entire Cook family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his parents; and his brothers Ervin and Clarence.

May he rest peacefully in God’s care.