Raymond Lahar

Raymond Eugene Lahar, age 78, of Great Bend, Kansas passed away surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren, and wife, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Wesley Woodlawn Hospital, in Wichita, soaring high with the eagles from heaven.

Raymond was born on September 4, 1947, in Eureka, Kansas. He was the second child born of Clarence Raymond “Jack” and Margaret Rae (Thompson) Lahar. He attended public schools in Eureka and El Dorado. He completed the automotive technician program at Butler Community College. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing and helping his grandfather Cecil Thompson in the fields and irritating his older sister Almeta Rae. Many stories have been heard about the numerous “pets,” animals, and wildlife Raymond would bring home that his mom would allow or find in the house.

Raymond roughnecked in the oilfields and overcame his fear of heights while climbing the rigs. His most lively memories growing up almost always involved some sort of motorized car, scooter or cycle and his friends, Mike and Ted Larcom and his cousin Billy Gene Lahar, who remained close until his passing December 2016. Raymond married his high school sweetheart Arzella Rae “Zip” Slead on April 22, 1967. He was blessed with two daughters, Lynetta Rae and Pamela Michele with Zip. They raised their family in Great Bend, KS. After working on the rigs, Raymond was employed by Gibson, Titus, & Stafford. Over the course of employment, he also worked at Straub International, Southwest Truck Parts and Abercrombie, Inc.

Raymond opened his own Diesel Automotive Business, known as Lahar’s Drive Train Specialties in the mid-1980s, after operating it out of his garage on the side for several years rebuilding PTO’s. Raymond was known as one of the best truck mechanics and PTO rebuilders around Western Kansas. He opened his shop on Railroad Avenue in Great Bend mid 1980's and later moved to a larger building on 8th street. After the girls were married and left the home Raymond once again found his love of motorcycles to be his passion when he wasn’t hunting. He loved long road trips, sometimes with friends, but often as a lone wolf. He enjoyed the freedom of the open road.

Arzella, his wife of nearly 33 years, passed away March 28, 1999. Her passing left Raymond devastated. He later stated repeatedly that his work at the shop and his Harley Road King saved him. In visiting his Uncle Jack Hellstern in the hospital in Arkansas, Raymond met a very caring nurse. Her compassion for her patients struck an instant love in him. He mentioned one time it was love at first sight. In 2002 he married Margie (Thomas) Tiger Lahar. Raymond had said over the course of many years she was the love of his life, his soul mate. She passed away in a tragic accident at the home in 2003, leaving Raymond once again devastated and heartbroken. It was during this difficult time that Raymond turned more to his motorcycle riding and the escape it brought. Even with the comfort of his daughters, six grandchildren, and his motorcycle, a void remained.

In Summer (June) 2005 his cousin, Billy Gene Lahar introduced Raymond to Teresa (Rondeau) Palmer of Chase, Kansas. The two were married on August 20, 2005. They made their home in Great Bend, KS. In December 2012, Raymond suffered his first massive stroke and had stated multiple times his body and memory would never be the same. Although he struggled with names, he could still recall mechanical details and fond memories with family and friends. Raymond continued working after the stroke but found riding his motorcycle becoming more of a struggle. He purchased a slingshot and once again became one with road trips, with Teresa joining in some adventures. Raymond retired from Lahar’s Drive Train Specialties in June 2019 and sold his life’s business in 2020.

Raymond leaves behind his wife, Teresa of Great Bend; daughters, Lynetta and husband, Kevin Shaw of Eureka, Kansas; Pamela and husband, Mike Kurtz of Junction City, Kansas; sister, Almeta Beck of Eureka, currently residing in Wichita; grandchildren: Remington (Jaye) Shaw, Ruger (Jordan) Shaw, Colton Shaw, Chase Shaw, Katilyn (Daniel) Slaton, and Chance (Katherine) Kurtz; his precious great-grandchildren: Amelia & Anna Slaton, and Barrett Shaw; and his stepfamilies from two marriages. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Margaret; his wife, Arzella; his wife, Margie; his granddaughter, LySandra Shaw; his great-grandchildren, Lawson Shaw and Palmer Shaw; and his brother-in-law, Harold Beck, Jr.

Memories of Raymond reflect that he was hard but fair and honest as they come. Nothing was given to him, and hard work was instilled at a very early age, and his handshake was as good as swearing on the Bible. He was a no-nonsense man. His colorful language seemed to just be a part of descriptive adjectives in his sentences. To know Raymond meant to accept him just as he was. Raymond would engineer, build, and construct anything he could dream up. Some of the fondest memories of their dad were camping, boating Lake Wilson weekends with friends. One thing which holds the best memories for his girls was his handmade engineered super souped-up dune buggy he painted purple, and the trips to Little Sahara in Oklahoma. He later made it street legal and received stares wherever he went. He later sold it to purchase a Harley.

Raymond requested cremation and burial next to Arzella and his parents. Memorial service arrangements are pending and will be published here first when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.