Vic McLeran, 85 years of age, of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, passed away on July 15, 2026. He was born on August 2, 1940, to Ruth and Donald McLeran.

 

Throughout his life, Vic was a passionate outdoorsman, a talented falconer and an exceptional fisherman.

 

Vic grew up in Coffeyville, where he began his lifelong love of the waters and the woods of southeastern Kansas. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, after which he returned to Kansas to study at Coffeyville Junior College (now Coffeyville Community College). Vic later transferred to and graduated from Pittsburg State University.

 

Vic was drawn to journalism. He focused on sports and outdoor writing and contributed to various publications. He worked many years for the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission (now the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) as a writer, photographer and editor of their magazine.

 

Vic also loved to cook, specifically smoked meat. This passion for feeding friends and family led Vic to open several barbeque restaurants in Kansas, specializing in falling-off-the bone tender ribs.

 

Vic later worked at Phillips Petroleum (now ConocoPhillips) writing in the public affairs and marketing divisions. Vic had the opportunity to retire early, which allowed him more time for writing, reading, and fishing. He ultimately moved back to the Coffeyville area where he haunted the waters of Kansas and Oklahoma in search of big bass.

 

Though he came to faith later in life, Vic pursued a genuine understanding of Christianity and deepened his relationship with God year after year. He made peace with his past and spoke of looking forward to the next adventure in his life, an eternal home in heaven.

 

Vic had one child, his daughter, Kristen. They shared a close and loving relationship that lasted a lifetime.

 

Vic was preceded in death by his brother Doug (1938-1939), and his parents. He is survived by his sister, Dana Copeland, of Pineville, Missouri; his daughter, Kristen McLeran, his grandchildren Isobel McLeran Sturges and Oliver McLeran Sturges, of Walnut Creek, California.

 

A memorial service will be held at Grace Fellowship Church, 2455 Woodland Avenue, Coffeyville, Kansas, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Vic’s memory with a donation to a favorite environmental or conservation charity.

 

Vic found a great deal of joy outdoors. You are invited to walk along or fish in waters in your community: a nearby creek or a pond at the city park. You might keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks perched high on a telephone pole in memory of Vic and his love of the natural world.

 

He has cast his final line into waters made still by the peace of the Lord.

 

To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.