Jack Dryden

1931 - 2025

Obituary for Jack Coleman Dryden, 1931-2025.

With a strong will to live and a deep gratitude for a full life, Jack Coleman Dryden passed peacefully at home at 1:11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Born July 13, 1931, to parents Jack and Elizabeth Dryden, Jack spent much of his life just a few blocks away from Dryden Drug Store, 401 Main Street, in Belton, Mo. He attended grades 1-12 in the Belton school system, graduating in a class of 21 graduates in 1949. He organized and attended reunions and was inducted into the Belton High School Hall of Fame in 2001.

Jack attended Kansas University and graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1953. He was a member of Delta Chi and the professional fraternity Kappa Psi. His grandfather, Fred Dryden, had started a drugstore in Lee's Summit. The first building (currently Tara's) for Dryden Drug Store (Belton) was purchased by Jack Dryden Sr. in 1931, and Jack joined him in business upon graduation as a third-generation pharmacist, and son, Steve joined in 1983 as a fourth generation pharmacist. The business was expanded, thrived, and remained on Main St. until its closing in 2010.

Jack helped found the Main Street Merchants Association. He was involved with the committee to build Belton's first swimming pool. Jack was finance chairman on the committee to save and restore Old City Hall, hired the architect and helped plan the layout for the museum. He helped establish the Belton Historical Society and was a life member. He helped start the Carrie Nation "Smasher" 10K runs in the 80's , and Optimist Club pancake breakfasts were held at the drugstore. Sometimes called " Mr. Main Street", he was deeply involved as a civic leader, always looking for ways to keep business alive on Main Street.

Jack was an exacting writer, spending lots of time wordsmithing and finding the right flow of narrative. From April 2001 until March 2005, he wrote a weekly article/ad in the Belton Star Herald, aptly titled- "Whassupp on Main Street". Family stories, Main Street stories, and Belton history are artfully told in these articles.

Jack loved to travel, especially enjoying snow-skiing in Colorado and water skiing and boating at the Lake of the Ozarks. He always stressed the importance of education to his children and grandchildren. He generously helped with tuition for higher education for many members of the family. He had a tremendous work ethic. As a pharmacist, he checked his work three times. We all know that if "something's worth doing, it's worth doing well." He was fortunate to be a person who thoroughly enjoyed his work and profession.

As a strong participant in the Belton community, Jack wanted to give back to the village that raised him. His dream for an arboretum and community green space will be realized from a donation of 69 acres, which he donated June 13, 2024.

Preceding him in death was a sister, Jean Cunningham and her husband, Jim, and his first wife of 26 years, Peggy.

Jack is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra Greene Dryden, daughter Sandy Knudson of Norman , OK, son, Steve Dryden of La Plata, Mo, and stepson Nathan McMillian of Lee's Summit, Mo. Grandchildren Sarah and Chris Davis , Jon and Renée Knudson, Matthew and Megan Knudson, Jessica Dryden, Jacob Dryden, and Carri Dryden. Great- grandchildren Akira Simone Davis and Benjamin Wilder Knudson. Two nephews Roger Cunningham and Jeff Cunningham.

The family is grateful to many friends and neighbors who have lent support and to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, especially case manager and nurse, Richard.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Station, 602 Maurer Parkway Belton, Mo., on Saturday, November 15, visitation following. The family requests no flowers. However, if you would like to make a donation in honor of Jack, we suggest donating to Belton Parks and Recreation or a charity of your choice.