David Homer McLelandHoisington , KS

David Homer McLeland, loving husband, father, grandfather, and retired teacher, age 77, left us on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born December 25, 1948, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Homer and LaRaine (Whelan) McLeland. He was the 3rd of 6 children.  He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1967 and went on to Fort Hays State University where he earned a master’s degree in education as well as ran track and cross country. He lived in Hoisington, Kansas, where he began his teaching career at Hoisington Middle School from 1972–2008 as well as coaching track and cross country. He then finished his teaching career at Great Bend Middle School, retiring in 2011.

He served in the US Army Reserves from 1967-1996. Including deployment in 1992 during Operation Desert Storm.

He spent his retirement years volunteering for the City of Hoisington driving the town trolley and meeting many interesting residents.  He loved to hunt, fish, and garden. He was also an avid runner, competing in many 10Ks and marathons throughout the years. His greatest running accomplishment was placing 52nd in the 1987 Boston Marathon. He was inducted into the Fort Hays State Hall of Fame in 2021 for his achievements in track and cross country.

David was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #1521.

He is survived by his spouse of 53 years, Lois Schneider-McLeland; daughter, Kara Golden (Richard), grandchildren, Taylor and Lauryn Golden, all of Lenexa; son, Christopher McLeland (Amanda) and grandchild Jaden Stierwalt of Wichita; and daughter, Kelli Udoh (Chu) of Rockville, Maryland. He is survived by his siblings; Larry McLeland (LeAnn), Joe McLeland, Mark McLeland (Lori), Nancy Fallon (Jim), Bonny Schartz (Kyle); his aunt, Theda Wendel; brothers and sisters-in-law, Norbert and Terry Schneider, Robert and Kathy Schneider, Scott and Kim Higgason, Linda Bahr, and Sheila Govert; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Mac.

Cremation has taken place and friends may sign the book today until service at the funeral home. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home, with Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary to begin at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, May 22nd, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Inurnment will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

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