Leland Sylvester McAlister, 86, passed away October 24, 2020, in Larned.
He was born September 30, 1934, in Wayne, Oklahoma, the son of Grover Wilburn McAlister and Veta May Gregory Burris.
A longtime area resident, he was a welder. He served in the United States Air force at McConnell Air Force Base in the 3520th Flight Line Maintenance Squadron. He was of the Christian faith and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and dancing.
He married Lauralee Cessna; she preceded him in death.
Survivors include: mother, Veta Burris, Great Bend; five children, Lori (Bob) Wilson, Lyons, Curtis (Deb) McAlister, Larned, Kevin (Cindy) McAlister, Overland Park, Deanna (Chris) Harrison, Port Orange, Florida, Donnie (Cheryl) Stejskal, Tualatin, Oregon; three sisters, Laveta Furthmyer, Gorham, Fredia Burris, Great Bend, Wanda Dodson, Hays; a brother, Glenn Burris, Ellinwood; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father; his wife; a sister, Gloria Barrientez, a brother, Rennie Burris, and a great grandson.
Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Saint Marks Episcopal Church, 520 East Avenue S, Lyons, Kansas, with Pastor Byron Barrientez presiding. Inurnment with military graveside rites will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Lakin Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to St Marks Episcopal Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550