Wilbur Fred Neaderhiser

Wilbur F. Neaderhiser, 99, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away June 4, 2023, at the Sterling Village, Sterling. He was born October 1, 1923, near Niles, Kansas to Fred and Nellie Blachford Neaderhiser. Wilbur was raised on a farm in Ottawa County, Kansas. He served in the US Army Oct. 21, 1944-Dec. 2, 1946, stationed in the Philippines, both on the front lines and the military police force as a corporal. On June 12, 1949, he married Twila Irene Luthi at the First Christian Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. In 1947, Wilbur went to work for the Dept. of Agriculture, as a Soil Conservation Technician. Wilbur worked 17 years in Hutchinson for Reno County and transferred to Lyons, Kansas in 1962. He worked 17 years in Rice County before taking early retirement. He then started the Neaderhiser Seed Farm business with wife, Twila, raising exceptional certified seed wheat. The business also included performing custom seed cleaning for Kansas farmers. Wilbur came from a family of great music ability, playing in a dance band with his dad, sister and 2 brothers. He had natural ability, playing music by ear, both violin and saxophone in the Neaderhiser Band of Ottawa County, Kansas. Wilbur was known as a devoted father and husband, dearly cherished by his wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, & 8 great-grandchildren. The local community knew Wilbur for his exceptional farming skill, willingness to advise & help area farmers, and for producing quality seed wheat. He was a member of the Soil & Water Conservation Society (Arkansas Valley Division), the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, the American Legion Post 0129, as well as the First Christian Church, Lyons, Kansas. Survivors include: 3 daughters, Barbara McAllaster, McKinney, Texas; Janet Vann, Denton, Texas; Robin Carlson and husband Max, Sterling, Kansas. He had 6 grandchildren, Chad McAllaster & Amy McAllaster; Jennifer Akers & Brigette Billups; Lora Carlson & Ryan Carlson. And, 8 great-grandchildren, Evan McAllaster; Hunter & Tanner Schmitz; Annelise, Ivey Rose & Oliver Akers; & Beckett & Brady Billups. Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife, Twila Neaderhiser in 2009, & sisters Olive Neaderhiser, Mary Elvers, Shirley Madill, and brother Norman Neaderhiser & wife Phyllis Neaderhiser & brother Melvin Neaderhiser. Melvin’s wife, Katherine, lives in Wichita, Kansas. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, June 16, 2023, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the First Christian Church, Lyons, with Pastor Nickia Larsen officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, with military honors by the United States Army – Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Memorials can be made to the First Christian Church, Lyons, or the Rice County Celebration Center, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, Kansas 67554.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.