Obituary - Jack B. Viar

Jack B. Viar, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Clinton, Missouri passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the Brookdale Overland Park Care Center. He was born September 28, 1935 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Fred W. Viar and A. Lucille (Keplinger) Viar.

He married Virginia “Jenny” Hall Walk on April 3, 1959 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home. Jack attended Baker University in Baldwin, Ks. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Missouri State University, now the University of Central Missouri, and his Master’s degree from the University of Missouri. Jack retired in 2000 from mental health counseling and consultation. He did post graduate study at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Mental Health Section, Tulane University, receiving his certificate in mental health consultation and supervision of mental health consultants. He was employed with the Missouri Department of Corrections as a caseworker from 1959-1962, Fulton State Hospital from 1963-1967, Director, Mental Health Services, East Central Missouri Mental Health Center from 1967-1973, where he established the first comprehensive community mental health center in Missouri. He served as Director of Tri-County Community Mental Health Center in North Kansas City from 1973-1981, and then was in private practice of mental health consultation and counseling services. Jack served his country honorably with the United States Air Force. Among the honors he has received are: Who’s Who in the Midwest from 1968 through 1981 edition; Who’s Who in America, May of 1980; Who’s Who in Health Care, 1980-1981; Personalities of the West and Midwest, 1971 through 1981 edition; and Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service to the Community, 1976-1977, and 1981. He published an article titled “Surviving a Financial Crisis: A Community Mental Health Center Modifies Traditional Roles,” in Hospital and Community Psychiatry, October of 1972. Jack was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church. He enjoyed camping, traveling by RV, spending time with his family, fishing and reading. He also enjoyed cheering on his Mizzou Tigers, enjoyed horses and all animals, but especially enjoyed dogs. In addition to his wife Jenny, surviving are one son, Andrew J. Viar, Kansas City, Mo.; two daughters, Julie A. Rinas, Austin, Texas and Amy L. Watkins and her husband, David, Overland Park, Ks.; two grandsons, Michael H. Kraft, San Francisco, California and Steven D. Viar, Kansas City, Mo.; two granddaughters, Jacqueline Mayer and her husband Michael, Austin, Tx., and Emily Rinas, Austin, Tx.; one sister, Barbara L. Van, Belton, Mo.; and his furry adopted “son” Bailey Viar. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Fred W. Viar. Memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will meet with friends following the memorial service for light refreshments. Social distancing will be observed. Interment will be at a later date in Baldwin, Ks. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor, (C.A.R.E.), or the Clinton Literacy Council. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.