DOUGLASS — Billy Gene Lahar, 69, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. Bill was born on Aug. 25, 1947, in Eureka. He was the first born son of Bill E. and Jean E. May Lahar. He attended public schools in Waldo and Luray. He graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Geology. In his younger years he enjoyed playing sports and helped his mother and stepfather, James, at their family farm. He spent many summers roughnecking for his dad in the oilfields. His most lively memories growing up almost always involved his friends, Tom Buzzell and Jim Urban, who remained close lifetime friends. Bill served in Vietnam, the Air Cavalry Division. He had two daughters, Rosanna and Tammy with his first wife, Rosalee Droste. In 1980, he married Marilyn McCorkel. She died suddenly in 2001, leaving Bill heartbroken. It was during this difficult time that Bill rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Douglass on Dec. 9, 2001. Although his love of Christ motivated him to attend church services, it was also his attraction to a sweet and lovely Sunday school teacher, Barbara. The Lord clearly had a plan for Bill, and they married on May 11, 2004. Once again, Bill had found true love and lived a very happy life with Barbara and their little pug, Pugsey. The last years of his life were spent golfing, bow hunting, and renovating the Waldo home. He was actively involved in PTSD support groups at the VA and cared very deeply for his fellow veterans. Bill will always be remembered for his ornery humor, his generous nature, loving heart, and amazing love for his family.
He leaves to cherish his unforgettable memories, wife Barbara of Douglass; two daughters Anna (Nick) Stull of Gilbert, Ariz., and Tammy (Jeff) Roberts of Wichita; a stepson Bill (Amy) Stephens of Owasso, Okla.; a sister Karen (Jim) Carney; two brothers Don (Cherry) Lahar and Rich (Katherine) Lahar; sister-in-law Sandy Lahar of Wichita; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Benjamin, Treyson, Emma and Zoe; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirley; and his brother, Gary.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, at the First Baptist Church of Douglass with Pastor Voyt Lynn officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Kansas National Guard of Topeka. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Douglass or Wounded Warriors Project.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary**
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 23, 2016