Clarence R. Barta

Clarence R. Barta passed away Friday, March 9, 2018 at Almost Home in Great Bend, Kansas at the age of 89. He was born on September 2, 1928, on the family farm in Ellsworth County, Kansas near Wilson, to the late Oda and Eleanor (Svaty) Barta. Before finishing high school he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served for three years. After being honorably discharged from the Coast guard, he completed school and began working in the oil industry. On October 18, 1954 he was united in marriage to Mary Podlena at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Together they lived in numerous Kansas towns, but spent most of their later life in Great Bend. Aside from his love of family, his greatest passion was playing cards. He was known for a life time of planting trees and saving stray animals. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great bend and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Clarence is survived by son Randy Barta and wife Kayla of Overland Park; daughter Cindy McQuade and husband Tim of Hoisington; grandsons Mike Barta of Lenexa, Ryan McQuade of Hays, Mark Barta of Mission; granddaughter Holly Simpson of Topeka; great-grandson Chace Barta; great-granddaughter Charlotte Rose Barta; and sisters-in-law Emily Zorn of Hoisington, Anne Ehrlich of Haven, and Sister Loretta Podlena of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Barta, parents Oda and Eleanor Barta, brother and sister-in-law Alvin and Loretta Barta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday at the funeral home with Prayer Vigil at 6:00pm.