Barry Len LaMar, 60, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.

Barry was born December 2, 1959 in Haysville, Kansas.  He was one of four boys born to Herb H. and Patricia (Miller) LaMar.  They moved to Russell when Barry was very young.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School and then he wrestled at Ft. Hays State University.

Barry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Christina “Tina” Pfannenstiel on August 31, 1985 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell.  This union was blessed with two children, Herbert and Mariah.  They made their home in Phoenix, Arizona where Barry obtained an Associate’s Degree in Architecture from AAI. They moved back to Russell in 1991.

Barry was an independent Backhoe Operator most of his life.  He worked with Don Revel for many years before he worked with Mai Excavating.  Then in 2007 he became owner and operator of the Barry’s Backhoe LLC.  He was a member of Faith Community Church in Great Bend, Kansas.  He was an active member in AA and a Sponsor of AA, member of Celebrate Recovery, and the N.R.A.  He enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, canoeing, watching Kansas City Chiefs football and Kansas University basketball, doing Bible studies and being outdoors digging in the dirt.  Barry’s true passion in life was his relationship with his Lord.

Surviving family include his wife of 34 years, Tina of the home; son, Herbert L. LaMar of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Mariah C. Kuntzsch (Harlan) of Gorham, Kansas; mother, Patricia LaMar of Joplin, Missouri; three brothers, Brian LaMar (Ginger) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Bryce LaMar of Joplin, Missouri, and Brent LaMar (Lori) of Dessert Hills, Arizona; and two grandchildren, Thaddeus Kuntzsch and Athena Kuntzsch.  He was preceded in death by his father and paternal and maternal grandparents.

Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, December 23, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Burial will follow at the Ebenezer Cemetery in rural Russell County.  Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 PM, Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established as the Barry LaMar Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.