Leland Wayne Viar

Leland Wayne Viar, 83, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026.

Leland was born on August 7, 1942, in Council Grove, Kansas, to Taylor Viar and Margaret (Linn) Viar.

He attended school in Dunlap, Kansas, from first grade through high school. After graduating, he attended Emporia State University for a short time before joining the United States Army, where he proudly served for several years. Upon returning home, he was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone before later farming alongside his cousin, Jim Viar. In addition to his lifelong work as a farmer and rancher, Leland dedicated more than 30 years to the United States Postal Service and also worked for Kansas Wildlife and Parks in Morris County.

Leland spent his life devoted to his family, his community, and the land he loved. Farming and ranching were more than careers—they were his passion. There was no place he would rather be than on the farm, caring for the land and livestock that meant so much to him.

On May 2, 1970, Leland married the love of his life, Linda Smith. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on family, hard work, and unwavering commitment to one another. They were blessed with four children: Mickey Viar and his wife, Sandra, of Rockport, Texas; Jeff Viar of Saint George, Kansas; Kristie (Viar) Butler of Pomona, Kansas; and Corey Viar and his wife, Laura, of Council Grove, Kansas.

He is also survived by his sister, Janis Beschoner and her husband, Larry, of Venice, Florida; his grandchildren, Amanda Clark, Kylan Schooley, Milo Swift, Holden Butler, Paisli Johnson, Nalynn Viar, Amy Potter, Matthew Peak and Brian Peak; many great-grandchildren; a couple of great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Ray and Grace Linn and Robert and Cora Viar; and his grandson, Harley Stanton Viar.

His commitment to the community was evident through decades of volunteer service. He was an active member of the Morris County 4-H Fair Board and the Kansas State 4-H Advisory Board. He served as Assistant Fire Chief for the Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years and also volunteered as a first responder, always willing to answer the call when someone needed help. He also served as Chairman of the Morris County Farm Bureau.

In his younger years, Leland enjoyed drag racing cars, a hobby that reflected his adventurous spirit and love of engines. Throughout every stage of his life, however, his greatest joy remained his family and the farm.

Leland was a man of quiet strength, integrity, and unwavering character. He earned the respect of everyone who knew him—not by demanding it, but by living a life of honesty, kindness, and hard work. He was someone others looked up to, and no one ever wanted to disappoint him because his respect meant so much. Children naturally gravitated toward him, as did animals, sensing the gentle, patient soul he possessed. He made everyone feel welcome, valued, and cared for. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Dunlap Gymnasium, Dunlap, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Leland and sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, Kansas.