Dorothy May McMullen

Dorothy May (Scott) McMullen, a remarkable and inspiring woman, passed away peacefully from natural causes on June 25, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 93. Born on May 11, 1932, on a farm in Thurman, Iowa, Dorothy lived a life filled with faith, love, hard work, and service to her family and community.

She moved to Kansas City KS, graduated from Wyandotte High School and continued to excel at whatever she attempted. Her career was marked by excellence and leadership, most notably at Shawnee State Bank, where she served as Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. In addition to her professional achievements, she was a beautiful, devoted and loving wife, and mother to five children. She previously had contributed her skills as a legal secretary.

A pillar of her community, Dorothy was actively involved in numerous organizations. She served as President of the Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce in 1988 and led the Tri-County Tourism Board for two terms. Her dedication to her community earned her the title of Shawnee Citizen of the Year in 1992, and she was honored as the first female 'Citizen of the Year' by the Knights of Columbus also in 1992. In 1999 she won the Shamrock Award and Irishman of the Year for her community service. Dorothy was also recognized as 'Ambassador of the Year' by the Ambassador Club in 1985. She also held membership in the Shawnee Historical Society.

Dorothy's spirit of volunteerism and community service was unparalleled. She dedicated five years to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging and eight years to Advice and Aid. Her compassionate heart extended to her work with the Ladies of Charity, and at St. Joseph Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Ladies Guild.

She found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed celebrating her Irish heritage and all holidays in a grand fashion, as well as gardening and boating at Lake Quivira.

Dorothy's legacy includes the conceptualization and realization of the 'Hands of Freedom' Veterans Tribute, a project she passionately worked on with her husband and tribute designer, Architect, Maurice McMullen. Together, they created it to honor all those who served their country. 'Hands of Freedom' permanently stands at the S.W. corner of Johnson Drive and Pflumm Road in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, Maurice McMullen; oldest son, David McMullen; mother, Esther Pansy Ramsey Bondurant; Step-father, H. Claude Bondurant; Father, Lloyd Scott; and one baby lost prior to birth, remembered as Scott Thomas.

Dorothy is survived by her three daughters: Kim Mead (Eric), Karyl Elliott (Scott), and Kendra LeCluyse (Bill); one son, Brandon McMullen (Dianne); 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of intense faith, enduring love, unending kindness, and inspiration that will be cherished by all who knew her.

She will be missed dearly by her friends and family, praying with confidence in her loving welcome at the gates of heaven.

Services to honor Dorothy's extraordinary life will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee on Monday, July 7, 2025. The rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by visitation from 9:45-10:45 a.m., and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS, then a luncheon to be held in the church basement.

Donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.