IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Allaire Homburg
Services for Allaire Thomas Homburg, father of Marion superintendent Aaron Homberg, were March 22 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney.
He died March 16 at Sheridan County Medical Center.
He was born on Nov. 7, 1944, in a rock house half a mile north of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellis. His father, August, was the first child born in this rock house, and Allaire was the last.
He was baptized Dec. 3, 1944, in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellis. He was confirmed May 25, 1958, at Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis.
He graduated from Ellis High School in 1962 and attended Bethany College from 1962 to 1964. He then attended Fort Hays State University from 1964 to 1967, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in music education.
He met the love of his life, Arla Kay Michaelis, when she auditioned for church organist at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was choir director. They were married Aug. 19, 1967, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
The love of music remained constant throughout their 54 years of marriage.
Allaire worked in education, mentoring future educators and administrators for a majority of his career. He was music teacher at Natoma High School from 1967 to 1971. In 1971, Allaire and Arla had their first son, Aaron Trent.
After teaching in Natoma, Allaire served as graduate assistant under Bill Robinson at Fort Hays State University. He received his master’s degree in educational administration from FHSU.
He then served as high school principal in Quinter from 1972 to 1977. At that time, he was the youngest principal in the state of Kansas. In 1974, they welcomed their second son, Andrew Heath.
From 1977 to 1987, Allaire managed the Wallace County Farm Bureau Insurance Agency. Allaire and Arla commuted to teach music and the Sunflower Singers at Colby Community College in 1987 to 1988. After CCC, he served as the Weskan K-12 principal and superintendent from 1988 to 1994.
In 1994, Allaire and Arla moved back to Quinter, where he served as superintendent until he retired in 2009.
They then moved to Stockton, where he was superintendent until 2016. Allaire served as the interim superintendent in both Cheylin/Bird City and Osborne. Allaire and Arla served as music teachers in Cheylin/Bird City and were presently serving in Smith Center.
Throughout his career, Allaire received many accolades and was part of many professional organizations. He was especially proud of being on the board of directors for the Western Plains Arts Association and serving on the KSHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee. He also served at many churches, for school boards, and acted in community theatre.
Allaire’s life was defined by his family, his faith, and his music. He was a supporter of every kid, of every program, in every district he served. He loved to hunt, cheer for his Denver Broncos and occasionally the Chiefs, and watch “Jeopardy!” in the afternoons. He read voraciously, especially current events and western novels. He loved horses, raising them for a time, and collected lots of memorabilia.
He loved attending all of his children and grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed traveling the Midwest to watch his Labrador retrievers compete in field trials. He loved singing with his brothers, sons, and grandchildren at their churches whenever it was possible. He was an excellent storyteller, and never knew a stranger.
Allaire was preceded in death by his father, August; mother, Elsie; brothers Harold, Art, August, and Al; sister Betty; and sisters-in-law Bert, Billy, and Edna.
He is survived by his wife Arla; son Aaron Homburg (and wife Nichol) and their children KaiLee (and husband Connor) Medlen, August Homburg, Joseph Homburg (and wife Peyton), and Terran Homburg; great-granddaughter Emma, and two great grandchildren expected later this year; his son Andrew Homburg (and wife Tara) and their children, Brogan, Rowen, and Rylin; a step-sister, Kay (and husband Peter Enna); mother-in-law Frances Michaelis; brother-in-law Tye Michaelis (and wife Lisa) ; sisters-in-law Marilyn Gallatin and Cindy Kocher; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial has been established — the Allaire T. Homburg Scholarship Fund for Aspiring Educators, to help future teachers in the communities they so loved and served. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St, WaKeeney KS 67672.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.