Victor "Vic" James Macari was called to his eternal home on June 19, 2020 at Pine Village with his wife by his side. Vic was born on August 4th, 1936 to Italian immigrants, Barney and Mary (Chilino) Macari of Cherokee, Kansas. He spent his childhood in Cherokee and graduated from Kansas State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State University, in 1958. Soon after he received his Master’s degree.
He began his teaching career in Norwich, where he met his bride, Orletha "Letha" Dellenbaugh. They were married at Norwich United Methodist Church on Thanksgiving Day in 1961. The next year he started teaching at Grenola where they welcomed sons Steve and Craig. Their son Barney came during his time teaching at Mayfield. The family’s final move was to Canton where their daughter Kathy was born. He held many teaching, coaching, and administrative roles in his 39 years of teaching, with 32 years of service in the Canton-Galva school district.
In Canton, Vic held officer positions in the United Methodist Church and Lion’s Club, as well as scout leader and little league coach. He was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Rebecca and had 9 more grandchildren in the next decade. After his retirement from teaching in 1998, he kept busy following his grandchildren in multiple sports and activities. Driving the school bus, working at the grocery store, and woodworking were some of his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed fishing at the pits in Cherokee and surrounding ponds and lakes in the Canton area with his family. He also took various vacations throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife Letha of the home, Steve and Brenda Macari of Andale, and children Brett, Rachel, and Lane; Craig and Heather Macari of Woodland Park, CO, and children Rebecca (Vinny) Babauta, and Thomas; Barney Macari of Wichita, and children Madison and Alison; Kathy and Keith Maurath of Halstead, and children Victoria and Riley; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, two brothers, and beloved granddaughter Crystal (Maurath) Whaley.
Funeral services will be held at the Canton United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place following the service at the Canton Township Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, June 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Canton United Methodist Church in Canton, Kansas. For the safety of all involved, facial coverings are encouraged and welcomed. Memorials to United Methodist Church may be sent to Olson's Mortuary, Canton, Kansas 67428.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the caregivers and all who gave support, prayers and acts of kindness during this time.