Landon Clarke Kirchner

Landon Clarke Kirchner of Shawnee, Kansas passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born in Flint, Michigan on August 14, 1938, to Francis Lynn Kirchner and Elizabeth June Fleming. He was preceded in earthly existence by his first wife Dolores Ann Collison and brother Frank Kirchner. He is survived by his sister Lynette Doherty (Harold) of Eustis, Florida; his three children Kyle Kirchner (Cynthia) of Shawnee, Craig Kirchner (Amy) of Shawnee, and Jennifer Vogel (Curt) of Kansas City, Kansas; his second wife Barbara A. Smith and his stepson Sean Beard (Melodie) of Prairieville, Louisiana; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Landon placed great value on education and obtained a Master of Arts/Philosophy from the University of Michigan and worked in higher education until he retired. He was the first in his family to graduate with a higher education degree and liked to see subsequent generations pursue college. He enjoyed his time, 1977-2004, at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas and helped create the Community College Humanities Association and the Campus Art Collection (which ultimately led to the Nerman Museum) and wrote Philosophy/Ethics textbooks. He and Barbara enjoyed collecting works from local artists and visiting local and regional art museums.

Landon also pursued athletics throughout his life, teaching his children golf and tennis. He coached men’s and women’s teams at various colleges during his career and was an accomplished U.S. Masters Swimmer, holding records in all 18 events and medaling in National, Canadian, and world meets.

Landon wrote a narrative ancestry, which he titled Triumph of the Bourgeoise, tying the political and socioeconomic influences on his family migration from 1630s French fur trappers in the now Quebec area, to logging/stave cutters moving westward, to the Michigan auto industry. He has posted excerpts on his family tree on Ancestry.com.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who will be loved and missed by all those around him. Memorial services will be private. Online condolences and favorite memories may be posted below. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to any art, education, or community foundation.