Donald Ray LeClear

Donald Ray LeClear, 88, of Ashland, Kansas, passed away peacefully July 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and strength. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Don lived his life with integrity, kindness and a deep commitment to the people and places he held dear.

Donald was born May 19, 1937, in Meade, Kansas, to Roy Irvin and Ella Mae (Mabery) LeClear. He graduated from Meade High School in 1955, where he was active in FFA and began developing the work ethic and leadership that would define his life. After high school, he worked for Phillips66 and then joined the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) in 1956.

Nov. 16, 1958, Donald married the love of his life, Bernita Pittman, in Meade. Just over a year later, they moved to Augusta, Georgia, where Donald proudly served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a radio teletype instructor. After his honorable discharge in late 1962, Donald returned to Meade with his family and resumed his work at KDOT, where he served as an engineer for over 40 years. His dedication to public service eventually led the family to Dodge City in 1975 and later to Ashland in 1977, where Don and Bernita would build a community and spend the rest of their lives together.

Donald was a man of many passions and simple joys. He was an avid golfer, a skilled clockmaker, and a talented musician who loved playing guitar and singing, including at local jamborees with friends. Every Friday, while Bernita was at the beauty shop, Donald could be found visiting the courthouse, catching up with friends and enjoying the small-town camaraderie he cherished. He and Bernita also loved their seasonal traditions—spending winters in Kerrville, Texas, and summers in a cozy Colorado cabin, a trip they took for more than 30 years.

Donald was deeply committed to his faith. A longtime member of the First Christian Church in Ashland, he and Bernita studied the Bible together each evening, nurturing both their spiritual life and their marriage. He was also a proud 65-year member of the American Legion and took great pride in his military service and his community.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Bernita; his sons, Alan Ray and Darren Lane (Angela); grandchildren, Chelsey LeClear (Monte Winkler), Devin LeClear (Lacey), and Christine Fly (Harrison); great-grandchildren, Ollie LeClear and Jessie Fly; and close family friends, Francis and Amanda Young.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Irvin and Everett; an unborn child lost in 1966; grandson, Kason; his in-laws, R.T. and Helen Pittman; and two very close friends Jess Solorio and Tom Long.

To know Donald was to admire his steadiness, his humor, his deep love for his family, and his ability to find joy in everyday moments. His legacy will live on in the memories, stories and values he passed down to those who knew and loved him.

Obituary written by granddaughter Christine Fly.