Maurice Duane Barr, 94, passed away with family beside him holding his hand Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 in Satanta.
Maurice was born June 12, 1932 in Manhattan to 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 in Silver Lake with the Class of 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 on Nov. 22, 1952. Upon his return from his military service, they began a family that ultimately totaled eight children. They moved to western Kansas in 1956 where cattle ranching, custom cutting hay, and dry land/irrigated farming became their life’s work. In addition, he did extra work such as 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 1970s, serving as president for several years.
Maurice is survived by seven children: Becky Gatlin of Pueblo West, Colo., David (Barbara) Barr of Turpin, Okla., Mark Barr of Plains, Martha (James) Darnell of Liberal, Sarah Barr of Turpin, Okla., Elizabeth (John) Parsons of Wichita, Matthew Barr (Matthew Albers) of Wichita; son-in-law Ryan Wilson of Pleasant Hill, Mo. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren as well as many 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 68 years, 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 from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 at the Miller Mortuary Chapel in Liberal. The family will be present to greet friends.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 at the Miller Mortuary Chapel in Liberal 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.
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