Maurice Barr

Maurice Duane Barr, 94, passed away with family beside him holding his hand Thursday, August 13, 2026 in Satanta, KS.

Maurice was born June 12, 1932, Manhattan, KS son of Carroll Francis and Jane E. (Shehi) Barr. He was the seventh of eight children and the last of his generation.

He graduated from Silver Lake High School, Silver Lake, KS 1950. Just as he was embarking on his chosen occupation of rancher, the United States Army drafted him into service. He faithfully served two years of active duty in the Korean Conflict. Before his induction, he married Lesta Mae Griffith, his high school sweetheart, in Topeka, KS on Nov. 22, 1952. Upon his return from his military service, they began a family that ultimately totaled eight children. They moved to western KS in 1956 where cattle ranching,custom cutting hay, and dry land/irrigated farming became their life’s work. In addition, he did extra work: training horses, farrier services, fence building, among other things. The family moved wherever needed to provide for his ever-growing family. He continued actively working well beyond retirement years on various ranches and a farm to May 2023 age 91. Maurice and others were instrumental in founding the Kismet Saddle Club in the 70’s serving as president for several years.

Maurice is survived by seven of their eight children: Becky Gatlin of Pueblo West, CO: David (Barbara)Barr of Turpin, OK: Mark Barr of Plains, KS; Martha (James) Darnell of Liberal, KS; Sarah Barr of Turpin, OK; Elizabeth (John) Parsons of Wichita, KS; Matthew Barr (Matthew Albers) of Wichita, KS;and son-in-law Ryan Wilson of Pleasant Hill, MO. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews.

Maurice is preceded in death by his parents Carroll Francis Barr and Jane E (Shehi) Barr; his wife of 68years Lesta Mae (Griffith); daughter Amy (Barr) Wilson, son-in-law Michael Gatlin, daughter-in-law Linda (Dawson) Barr, and son-in-law Richard Freeman.

Viewing will be 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in the Miller Chapel; Liberal, KS. The family will be present to greet friends throughout.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm. Thursday, August 20, 2026 also in the Miller Chapel; Liberal, KS with Pastor Chuck Scroggs, officiating. Burial will follow at Arkalon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Intermediate Swing Bed Unit Satanta, KS or Southwestern Heights FFA Chapter in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905-0826.