Virgil B.W. Stair

Virgil Stair was born June 22, 1936 in Ben, Arkansas to Amos and Esther Stair. He attended Concord, Arkansas Schools. He was very close to his siblings, Ervin, Dorothy, Kenneth, Jean, Mary Lou, Verdell and Linda Sue, whose yearly family reunions included lots of competitive games including cards and croquet. In 1957 he began working at Dolly Madison Bakeries in Kansas City, Missouri, doing odd jobs including greasing and washing pans. In 1965 he transferred to the new Dolly Madison plant in Emporia, Kansas and retired there in 1993 as Production Manager.

In 1962 he met and married his wife Linda in Kansas City and they raised four children in Hartford, Kansas: Suzie Anderson (George), Mike Stair (Sharon), Lisa Dieker (Kevin) and Shawn Stair (Sheila). In addition to his wife and children he is survived by grandchildren: Kyle, Kara, Caleb, Luke, Elizabeth, Cam, Conner, Audrey, Colby, Adreyona, Braiden, Clayton, and Aliyah; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Sue Gonzales and husband Lee; honorary daughter Kim Hatch (Eric), and many nieces and nephews.

Virgil enjoyed sports and was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. His favorite hobby was cutting firewood. In retirement he owned the Hartford Carwash and mowed for the City of Hartford. He spent many hours playing and spending time outdoors with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a role model of hard work. Most important to Virgil was his Christian Faith and sharing it with others. Before moving to Osage City in 2021 to be near family, he was a member of Lamont Wesleyan Church and Hartford Christian Church, where he also served as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher. In 2024 Virgil and Linda moved to Emporia Presbyterian Manor in Emporia.

Virgil leaves many long-time friends who are like family. The family wishes to thank all these dear friends for all their kindnesses and care, especially during the last years of Virgil’s life.

Memorials can be made to: Hand in Hand Hospice via Newman Regional Health Fund: Hand in Hand Hospice | End of Life Care | Emporia, KS & surrounding area