Orris ‘Marc’ William Lahr
Marc Lahr, age 85, quietly passed away on Wednesday evening, July 9, 2025, at Homestead Memory Care in Abilene, Kansas.
Marc was born on May 3, 1940, in Abilene to John Henry and Irene (Downs) Lahr. Despite the fact that Marc grew up in a farm environment, he did not have any dreams of being a farmer! Despite his allergies, Marc, helped during harvest time by driving grain trucks to town for his father. Marc graduated from Abilene High School in 1958 and as his busy school and work schedule allowed, Marc was also a great help to his brother, Jerry on his farm in Abilene.
He was a proud Abilene native.
Marc then graduated from Kansas State University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, and went to work at the Topeka-Shawnee County Metropolitan Planning Commission. He worked there his entire career and had risen to the position of Interim Director at the time of his retirement. During those years, Marc became very involved with historic preservation efforts and chaired Historic Topeka, as well as having chaired the Shawnee County Bicentennial Celebration and Parade. He also served on the board of the Mulvane Art Museum.
After retirement, Marc enjoyed his passion for art and antiques. He became a certified appraiser of art, antiques and furniture. Marc also owned an estate sale company and had a booth at Washburn View Antiques. He delighted in having beautiful homes and wonderful friends throughout the Topeka community. Marc moved back to Abilene in late 2019 and lived the rest of his life close to family and friends until his death.
Marc is survived by his brother, Jerry Lahr (Donna). Nephew, Jason Lahr (Annie) and their children: Isaiah Lahr (Rebecca) and son, Henry; Eli Lahr and Lydia Lahr. Brother-in-law, Dan Razak. Nephew, Ross Razak, his son, Zack and daughter, Ava Razak. Niece, Jenny Lahr Razak and her children Ruby, Millie and Adisu. Great Niece, Alissa (Dunlap) Schooley (Seth) and their sons Asher and Kyson. Great Nephew, Cale Dunlap (Katie)
Marc was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry & Irene (Downs) Lahr. Stepmother, Magdalena ‘Leni’ Lahr. Sister, Karen (Lahr) Razak. Niece, Shelly (Lahr) Dunlap and Sister-in-law, Sandra (McElwain) Lahr.
Funeral services will be at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at First Southern Baptist Church (corner of 14th and Mulberry) in Abilene, and officiated by Dave Parker. There will be a meal served at 1:00pm at the church for visiting with family and friends. Burial will follow the service at Newbern Cemetery (Highway 15 South to 15th Avenue then west 1 mile to Flag Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the Orris Lahrs Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.