Edgar Lee Lamar

Edgar "Lee" Lamar of Overland Park, KS passed away on January 28, 2016. Lee was born on March 27, 1921 on a farm in Southern Buchanan County, to William Urvie and Nannie Mae Queen Lamar. He graduated from Faucett High School in 1939 and from St. Joseph Jr. College in 1941. He obtained his private pilot’s certificate by enrolling in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He was at the University of Missouri during Pearl Harbor and was recruited by the Army Air Corp to enroll in the enlisted reserve. He received his military wings and a commission in February, 1944. While serving as a basic flying instructor at Independence, KS, he volunteered to become a co-pilot on a B-24 bomber headed for combat. He was shot down on November 18, 1944 on his 21st mission. He spent the remaining six months as a POW held mostly at Stalag Luft 1, near Barth, Germany. After the war, Lee completed his Civil Engineering degree at the University of Missouri in 1947 and worked as a Professional Engineer until his retirement living in St. Joseph, MO, Jefferson City, MO and Overland Park, KS.

After retirement, Lee was most active in local units of Rotary, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Commemorative Air Force, Combat Airmen and Quiet Birdmen. He was a deacon emeritus and member of Leawood Baptist Church.

In 2006 Lee was surprised to receive an email from an archaeologist in Croatia. He had found the wreckage of Lee’s WWII bomber. Lee and the family, along with a number of friends made a visit. After finding the intersection of the two stone walls where he had buried his parachute years previously, Lee was able to find the very rock where his parachute had deposited him. He also visited with the man who as a twelve year old boy had carried the parachute home and his nephew who received a blouse made from the canopy.

Lee is survived by his wife of 65 years. Bonnie Lamar of the home, one daughter Kathleen Hufstedler and husband Kirt of Basehor, KS, grandson Kraig Hufstedler and wife Stephanie of Edwardsville, IL and granddaughter Katie Hufstedler of Louisville, KY and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1 at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Memorial visitation will be from 1-2 pm with memorial services at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 at the Leawood Baptist Church, 8200 State Line Road, Leawood, KS 66206.

In lieu of flours, donations may be made to Leawood Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.