LARNED — Arlyn John ‘A.J.’ Halling, 71, passed away Aug. 13, 2026 at Hays Medical Center Hays, Kan.

He was born Sept. 16, 1954 in Larned, Kan., the son of Alvin John and Helen Elizabeth Smith Halling.

A lifetime area resident, he was an Activity Therapist at the Larned State Hospital, and was a member of the Larned United Methodist Church. He also worked at Walmart and volunteered for the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant. A.J. was a Boy Scout who proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a lifeguard who taught swimming lessons for many years. During his time at Larned State Hospital, A.J. taught art, music, and pottery. He enjoyed taking the residents on trips to fairs, zoos, and shopping, as well as fishing and hiking outings. A.J. loved creating stained glass and spending time outdoors, especially kayaking with friends and family. He enjoyed traveling and took many trips with friends, like monthly gambling outings in Dodge City. Music was another great passion of his. He was an active member of the Larned Music Club and a strong supporter of its projects, especially the scholarships provided to local students. He volunteered his talents by playing and singing at the Fort Larned National Historic Site and at nursing homes during the holidays. He also sang in the choir at Sterling College, traveling with them to sing in London. After retirement, A.J. was a substitute teacher in surrounding communities. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and remodeling projects.

Survivors include four siblings, Melvin Halling, St. John, Patricia Wade, Danville, Calif., Janice Halling, Salina and Jeanette Hancock, Mishawaka, Ind.; Erick Richards, Larned; his two cats, Nikki and Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 at Larned United Methodist Church, with Pastor Angela DeFisher presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28th with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in the Hanston Mennonite Cemetery, Hanston, Kan. Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary

P.O. Box 477

Larned, Kansas 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 20, 2026