Diane Fern Kolar (nee Dailey), aged 83, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2024, at Mercy South Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was born on May 16, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Fern McKinley Dailey, DDS, and Lois Marguerite Dailey (nee Madison). Diane grew up in Konawa, Oklahoma, and attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Business. She married Charles Wesley Kolar, Jr. on July 6, 1963, in Konawa, Oklahoma. She and Charles settled in Saint Louis in 1967, where she resided for the rest of her life, developing lifelong friendships and becoming very active in civic, social, and church activities. Diane taught preschool for many years at Bethany Baptist Church. She was a charter member of the LN Chapter (o.1982) of P.E.O. and remained a very active member for the rest of her life. She was also a lifelong member of alpha delta pi (AD Pi) which she joined in her collegiate years. She has been very active member of the Kirkwood United Methodist Church for over 50 years, most recently serving as an Ambassador. She was also active in the Friday Literary Club for which she had previously served as President and Treasurer. Diane is preceded in death by her daughter, Amy Kolar Tucker, her parents, and her brother David Madison Dailey, Sr. She is survived by her husband, Charles W. Kolar, Jr., PhD; son, Matthew Charles Kolar, DDS, and his fiancée, Rachel Dawn Case; grandchildren Charles Bryson Tucker, Lillian Emmons Tucker, John Maxen Kolar, Cecilia Grace Kolar, and Elizabeth Layne Kolar; in-laws, Wm. Stanley Kolar, DVM, Barbara Kolar Sands (husband Chris), and Richie Hanes (and husband Bob); nephews, Grant Ryan Kolar, MD, PhD (wife Gina), Scott Edward Tope (wife Rachel), and David Madison Dailey, Jr. (wife Nancy); and very dear friends Glenda Finnie and her husband Bill Finnie, PhD, and Fredda-Lois Loafmann, and her husband Thomas Loafmann, DVM.
Services: Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock in the evening, at Kutis Funeral Home Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63123. Funeral services to honor and celebrate the life of Diane will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, at Kirkwood United Methodist Church, 201 W Adams, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122. Viewing will begin at 1:30 in the afternoon at Kirkwood United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest in the Prague Cemetery, Prague, Oklahoma, next to her daughter, Amy.
In lieu of flowers, it was Diane’s wish that memorial donations be made to the Missouri P.E.O. Outreach Fund CH LN. Please mail memorial donations to: Kathy Cormack, 12563 Village Circle Dr., #3105, St. Louis, MO 63127
Mrs. Kolar, a gentle and giving soul, led a life of service to others. She will be terribly missed. May she rest in peace.
Diane was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was always so positive. Her personality was so kind and gentle. Her kindness would radiate to anyone around her. We will definitely miss her.
A true lady, a Christian servant, a wonderful wife and mother, and a dear friend to so many.
Dr. Kolar and Matt – I am so sorry for this incredible loss. She was a wonderful soul. May light perpetual shine upon her. Love to you both.
Diane was a beautiful woman who had a calm and loving demeanor. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. We will miss her so much!
Diane was so sweet and kind and had the most beautiful, gentle way about her.
Diane was a special person. As a PEO Sister, she was dedicated, thoughtful and always kind. We will all miss her as a true and loyal friend.
May our prayers and compassion reach Diane’s family. She has been a member of College Club of St. Louis since 1976. She will be so missed.
Brenda Davis
President College Club St.Louis