Skylar Jo Southards, 41, died October 29, 2024, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born September 6, 1983, in Hutchinson, to Frederick Joseph and Crystal Ann (McGillivray) Southards.
Skylar attended Buhler High School, graduated from Hutchinson Community College, and attended technical school to become an electrician. He was currently working for Hedlund Electric, in McPherson. Skylar was creative and thoughtful, always giving the perfect gift when someone was least expecting it. He also enjoyed fishing and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas State University. Skylar loved the outdoors and tending to his goats, dogs, “fluffy feet” chickens, cats, miniature pony, pigs and guineas, to name just a few of his numerous farm animals. As much as he loved being outdoors and with his pets, nothing was more important to Skylar than quality family time spent together at family gatherings.
Skylar is survived by: his mother, Crystal Hill (Brad) of Emporia; his father, Fred Southards (Laura) of Hutchinson; siblings, Heather Kessler (Mitchell Meyer) of Hutchinson, Harrison Hill (Colleen) of Alaska, and Shelby Hill of Colorado; nephews, Carter McNett and Layton Kessler; grandmother, Kathleen McGillivray of Hutchinson; his former wife, Brooke Southards of Hutchinson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by: his paternal grandparents, John T. and Ann Southards, Linda Southards, and Mary Southards; maternal grandfather, Chester “Mont” McGillivray; uncle, Terry McGillivray; and cousin, Austin Rykhus.
Celebration of Life service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, with the pastor who baptized Skylar, Pastor Quintin Moore officiating. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family requests those attending to wear casual attire.
Click here to view Skylar's Celebration of Life
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Skylar Southards Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Skylar Southards Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.
Through the gift of organ and tissue donation, Skylar is continuing to give the gift of life to help others.