Olan L. Barclay

Olan L. Barclay, 84, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013, as he fought to regain his strength after knee surgery.

Olan was the sixth of nine children born to the Erna and Audrey Barclay in Springfield, Missouri. He arrived shortly after his twin, Alan, on September 18, 1928, at 9:15 p.m. He graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1946. In 1949 Olan married his beloved Mildred Jane Markle, who preceded him in death. Olan became a small business owner and entrepreneur, owning several businesses in the Kansas City area. He loved to work, creating side businesses well into his late 70's.

Olan's greatest joy in life was providing for his family and watching his kids and grandchildren grow. His fierce protection of his kids is legendary, and he did everything possible to help them further their education.

An avid athlete, he still enjoyed demonstrating and teaching pole vaulting and other skills to his kids, well into his 50's. Missouri University and the St. Louis Cardinals never had a more loyal fan. Olan had fond memories of boating and water skiing at Table Rock Lake (especially remembering he skied there on the first day it opened in 1959).

Olan sponsored and coached little league baseball and youth basketball teams, conveying his passion to his players, as he helped them reach their potential.

He always enjoyed working with his hands, tinkering and repairing every assorted piece of equipment, engine, or auto that found itself in his purview. He relished the hours he spent teaching his sons these skills. The family takes pride in his workmanship on complex remodeling projects, and the beautiful furniture he crafted for family and friends.

He enjoyed provided many activities, like taking his kids to Starlight Theater and sporting events, and always encouraged them to have experiences beyond his own. Olan taught his kids the gift of generosity. He was an ardently loyal friend to many. He always thanked God for his blessings; throughout his life he helped many people who were less fortunate than he was.

Olan is preceded in death by an infant baby daughter, three brothers, Paul, Wayne, and Alan, his twin; he lost his oldest sibling, Nina Beatie in 2011.

He loved and is survived by his totally devoted wife of 49 years, Carol Lee. He is survived by three sons, two daughters and their spouses: Brent Olan Barclay, Mark Barclay Peden, Dr. Bruce Edward Barclay and wife Tracey, Dr. Paula Jane Barclay and husband Dr. Collyer Kelling, Heather Paige Arena, and husband Dr. Andrew Arena, Jr. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Sterling Barclay Herman, Andrew S. Arena, III, Frank Arena, Mary Arena, Brooklyn A. Barclay; Sydney J. Barclay; Seth E. Barclay and Kellyn G. Barclay. Living siblings are Harold L. Barclay, Glenn E. Barclay and spouse Carol, Martha Fasnacht and husband Wayne, and Shirley M. Rust.

The world will be infinitely less interesting without Olan's spirited debates and political observations. We know Olan is at peace as he joins those loved ones and friends who went before him.

The family welcomes friends as they gather to celebrate his life, and to share memories of Olan's life. Memorial Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Amos Family Funeral Home.

To honor Olan's wishes to help others, a contribution to the Salvation Army is suggested, in lieu of flowers.