Merriam's first lady, Irene Belle French, 86, passed away December 3, 2013, in her home surrounded by her family. Irene was one of the pioneer builders of Johnson County and was one of the early women leaders to make a significant impact on her beloved Merriam, Kansas and the county.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband James Calvin French. She is survived by son Russ French and wife Carol, granddaughter Regan French, grandson Matt French and wife Sarah, twin great granddaughters Emersyn Belle French and Colbie Caroline French; son James C. French and Teri French, J.C. French, Alexis French, Chancellor French. She is also survived by her sister Edna Swayden.

Irene and her husband Calvin moved to Merriam in 1963. She immediately became involved in the community. Over a period of 50+ years she helped weave the fabric of her community and made public service her passion. She served as Mayor of Merriam for 20 years. During that time she accomplished the Baron BMW Automotive Plaza redevelopment, Merriam Town Center redevelopment, a park for the community and her crown jewel, the saving of the now named Irene B. French Merriam Community Center. Irene was visionary and passionate in establishing the Merriam Parks, Recreation, Community Center Foundation to support the work of the parks department and to grow the arts in Merriam.

During her time as Mayor Irene also provided great leadership to many local, regional, state and national efforts. Her service and awards include member of the Merriam Chamber of Commerce, 1990 Merriam Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year, Johnson County Parks Department, Streamway Parks, National League of Cities Finance, Administration Committee, Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce interim President, Shawnee Mission Medical Center Recognition, Association of Mayors Kansas Mayor of the Year, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh Recognition, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Johnson County Rotary Board of Directors, Rotary Assistant District Governor, District 5710, Johnson County Transit Board, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce interim President, Certificate of Merit for 30 years of Service from Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, a director and officer of the Mid America Regional Council, Chairman of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Vice-Chair of the Johnson County Republican Party as well as other state and national political efforts.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2013, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, Kansas. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the church. followed by a reception with the family at the church. Burial in Antioch Cemetery, Merriam, Kansas.

Memorial Contributions

In remembrance of Irene, the family requests contributions to the Merriam Parks, Recreation, Community Center Foundation, 5701 Merriam Drive, Merriam, Kansas 66203.