May 17, 1951---Apr 15, 2021

Margo A. Fairchild died peacefully April 15, 2021 at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission with her sister Karen by her side. Margo was born May 17, 1951, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Dr. J.A. Fairchild and Margaret (Laughlin) Fairchild. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1969 and from Benedictine College in 1973.  Margo started her teaching career in Valley Falls, Kansas, and taught for more than 30 years in the DeSoto, Kansas School District.  Margo was a devoted Physical Education teacher who also coached a variety of girls’ sports teams in DeSoto, including softball, basketball, and volleyball. One of her greatest accomplishments was taking the DeSoto High School Girls Softball team to the Kansas State 4A tournament, winning the championship in 1998. She was recognized as the Kansas Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1998-99.

Margo was an athlete and an avid sports fan, especially the Kansas State Wildcats. She enjoyed showing her quarter horse, wood carving, and watching her soap operas. She loved her students, fellow teachers, friends, and cousins.

Margo was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. J.A. Fairchild, and Margaret (Laughlin) Fairchild, and her brother, John A. Fairchild III. She is survived by her sister, Karen, her faithful caretaker and best friend.

A visitation will be held on her 70th birthday May 17, 2021 from 6-7:30 pm at the Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, KS.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs or the American Heart Association.

 



Condolences

Phyllis Anderson Apr 16, 2021

Friend ,Wellsville ,Kansas

With deepest sympathy, I am so sorry for the passing of Margo. Margo was my daughter’s teacher and coach. We became good friends during those years, 1993 to 1995. Margo joined a group of our friends and we all went to Los Vegas. We had a great time. Margo even came to our daughter’s wedding in 2000, and her baby shower in 2002. I am so sorry we didn’t remain in contact with one another. She will always be remembered.

Josh Kindler Apr 16, 2021

Friend ,Gardner ,Kansas

I had the pleasure to work with Margo as a teacher and an administrator. She was also so kind and students loved helping her in class. She left an impact on her students, our staff and myself at Monticello Trails Middle School and Mill Cree Middle School.

Reneé Vielhauer Apr 16, 2021

Student ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

I have fond memories of singing - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - on the bus after our volleyball wins. I’m certain we were annoying teenagers, Coach Fairchild would just smile and let us have fun! I will remember her always as a tough, wonderful coach. I played volleyball and basketball in junior high and have great memories. Rest In Peace, Coach

Keri Korth Grable Apr 16, 2021

Former Student ,Crane ,Missouri

Thank you Ms Fairchild for the fond memories from DeSoto Jr High. Condolences to her family and friends. i am sure she will be greatly missed.

Lonna Denning Apr 16, 2021

friend and colleague ,BASEHOR ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Margo's passing. We were all close at DJH. Karen, you have been such a good caregiver and may you feel God's comfort.

Tia McGivern Apr 16, 2021

Former student and co-worker ,De Soto ,Kansas

I am so thankful I was able to have Ms. Fairchild as a teacher/coach and co-worker at MTMS. She was so kind. As a student, I LOVED playing dodgeball in her class. And as a co-worker, she was an amazing friend. Thank you for the memories! Rest easy lady. XOXO

Denise Zwahlen Apr 17, 2021

Student ,Riverside

I always loved sports with Coach Fairchild. She could get you to push a little harder only to realize she also helped you grow in the process. I appreciate her love for sports and the kids she coached. May her memory be a blessing to all.

Caroline Fairchild Murphy Apr 17, 2021

X sister in law ,West Plains ,Missouri

Many hugs and prayers at you most difficult moment. I KNOW how close you two were and how this will be a void. Margo RIP you are with the Fairchild and Laughlin angels.❤😥

Kristen Springer Apr 17, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear about Margo. She was a friend, co-worker, & a mentor to me at Monticello Trails Middle School during my first years of teaching. We had many memorable moments together when we coached volleyball together. Despite never coaching before & my extremely limited experience of playing volleyball during my own middle school & freshman years, Margo was always encouraging & supportive. I learned so much from her both on & off the court. I treasured our time together & valued the friendship we formed during our time at MTMS. She will be missed.

Doug S Apr 18, 2021

Friend and colleague ,Olathe ,Kansas

I was blessed to know and work with Margo during our time together in the De Soto school district. She had a great laugh and I will never forget that fantastic state championship season she lead a team of amazing young ladies to. Prayers to Margo’s family and to the many friends that supported her.

Cliff Ferrell May 20, 2021

coworker ,Bonner Springs ,Kansas

I will always hear Margo's laugh when thinking of her. She cared for kids and it was a pleasure to work with her at Monticello Trails Middle School. She will be missed, but will live on in the memories of the many people whose lives she impacted in her long teaching and coaching career.

Ann Smith Jun 03, 2021

Friend ,Bonner Springs ,Kansas

Dear Karen, I’m so sorry to learn of Margos passing. How very difficult for you. I’d really like to reconnect with you, if you feel like it. I tried to contact Margo several times on Facebook and messenger, but never got a response. My number is 913-424-2555

Ann Smith Jan 09, 2022

Friend ,Bonner Springs ,Kansas

Rest In Peace. Hope you’re with your pal, Look at Buggs Go! You two were a great team and you were a good friend. Miss you, Margo

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home Lenexa
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
KS
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 17, 2021
Time:
6:00 PM
Google Map: