BURLINGAME, Kan. – Harlan “Dean” Bevitt, 62, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at his home near Burlingame, Kan., after battling pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by those most dear to him. He was born June 8, 1964, in Osage City, Kan., the son of Harlan C. and Olive Ann Wood Bevitt.
Dean attended Mission Valley High School, graduating with the class of 1983. Dean went on to attend Kaw Area Technical College.
As a young man, Dean worked at Conroy Construction and several area auto body repair shops before taking a position with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Dean served 35 years before his health hastened his retirement May 1, 2026.
Dean married the love of his life, Julie K. Davenport, Nov. 2, 1984, in Lyndon, Kan. They made their home east of Burlingame, and raised their family.
Dean was always on the move. His vast range of interests included old cars and attending car shows and swap meets. His interests also included airplanes and astronomy. Dean had the eye of an inventor and the skills of a craftsman. He could make anything and was known for his hand carved bow and arrow sets he made for his family. Dean’s favorite hobby was spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was known as an extremely kind and loyal family member, friend, neighbor and coworker who possessed a quiet, witty sense of humor that brightened the day of all those around him.
Dean will live on in the hearts and through the cherished memories of his wife, Julie, of their home; daughter, Katelyn Baker and husband, Mathew, of Burlingame; a son, Joel Bevitt and wife, Alyssa, Lawrence, Kan.; his mother, Ann Wood, Topeka, Kan.; grandchildren, Wallace Bevitt , Roland Bevitt, Daphne Bevitt, and an expected grandchild coming in September, Colt Baker, and Quinn Baker; sisters, Della Phillips, Allen, Kan., Donna Bevitt, Harveyville, Kan., and Dana Schutter and husband, Galen, Topeka; sisters-in-law, Veronica Mapes, Hoyt, Kan., and Michelle Bailey and husband, Jerry; brothers-in-law, Jim Davenport and wife, Dee, Osage City, and Roy Davenport and wife, Lori, Osage City, John Davenport and wife, Carolyn, Temple, Texas, and Russell Davenport and wife, Kristi, Osage City; and numerous extended family and a community of friends.
Dean was preceded in death by his father, Harlan Bevitt; and brother, Asa Mapes.
The family invites you to join them as they celebrate Dean’s life at 10 a.m. Friday, June 19, at Burlingame Federated Church, 322 S. Topeka Ave., Burlingame. Inurnment will follow at Wilmington Cemetery, south of Harveyville.
Memorial contributions can be made to the city of Burlingame “Brick Street Fund” and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
