Deborah Mae Classen

Debbie was born on June 8, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri to Douglas and Gwendolyn Alexander. She grew up in Overland Park, and her family spent 4 years in Wilton, Connecticut before returning to the Kansas City area.

She attended Blue Valley high school, graduating in 1973. There she was a cheerleader and active participant in music programs. She graduated from Mid-America Nazarene College in 1977 with a degree in Instrumental and Vocal Music.

Debbie met her husband Clarence while singing in the church choir at Hillcrest Covenant Church. They married in March of 1980 and raised two children in Mission, Kansas.

Debbie’s many hobbies included singing with the family, sewing, various crafts (nearly anything with a glue gun), and playing the flute. After moving to Olathe with an empty nest, she also took up stained glass, embroidery, and quilting.

She also spent much time in the church, as part of the choir, song team, handbell choir, Victorian carolers, and special music duets with Clarence along with playing the flute. She spent several years helping with the AWANA program at Shawnee Bible Church and was also the secretary of Woodson Avenue Bible church for 5 years.

Debbie is preceded in death by her husband Clarence Classen, parents Doug and Gwen Alexander, brothers Doug and Don Alexander, and grand-daughter Victoria Classen. She is survived by her brother David Alexander (Rosemarie), children James Classen (Tammie) and Jeff Classen (Arletta), and grandchildren Kimberly, Susan, Ellie, and Melody.