Brian Thomas McCarthy

Brian Thomas McCarthy of Leavenworth passed away at his home on February 28, 2026, at the age of 65. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Brian was funny, intelligent, hardworking, principled, talented, kind, generous, and deeply devoted to his family and friends. Throughout his life, he showed up for people, always willing to lend a hand or share his knowledge.

Brian was a proud graduate of the Electronics Institute of Kansas City and continued his education through numerous certifications in HVAC and maintenance-related fields. He built a remarkable 36-year career at Fort Leavenworth Unified School District 207, ultimately serving as Director of Buildings and Maintenance Operations until his retirement. Colleagues remember him as fair, objective, and exemplary, and he was deeply respected and beloved by his custodial staff.

Brian's passion for tinkering extended far beyond his work. Family and friends were often the beneficiaries of his time and skill as he helped repair and improve their homes. Several years before retiring, he built a woodworking shop in his home and became a self-taught woodworker, creating many beautiful pieces with his knowledge of exotic woods and craftsmanship.

Brian was a mischief-maker and had so many funny stories of antics with his friends, especially as a youth and young adult. He loved fishing and traveled to favorite spots in Colorado, Arkansas, northern Minnesota, southern Missouri, Canada, and other destinations, enjoying the peace and beauty of nature and the thrill of the catch.

Music and sports were central to Brian's life. He loved playing guitar, was an avid fan of classic rock, and knew the history and trivia of the greatest bands of the late 1960s and 1970s. A devoted Kansas University basketball fan, he organized his schedule around the games, and family and friends knew not to call during play. Brian was also a master griller and meat smoker, sharing countless delicious meals with loved ones and passing down that passion to his beloved nephew, Rhys.

Brian excelled in athletics from a young age, playing football, baseball, basketball, and track. In ninth grade, he broke Lansing High School's discus-throwing record, a testament to his dedication and natural ability.

Brian's love for dogs was lifelong, beginning with his early childhood on a farm with his sister Pam, where they grew up with family pets. He cherished every dog that shared his life.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Hilda and Robert Darling and Helen and Thomas McCarthy, Sr., his mother Phyllis Rhudy, father Thomas McCarthy, Jr., uncle Charles Hilscher, and brother-in-law David Kern.

Brian is survived by his stepfather Delbert Rhudy, sister Pam McCarthy-Kern, nephew Rhys McCarthy-Kern, former wife and lifelong best friend Kathy Focht, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family will gather privately to remember and celebrate Brian's life. For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions to HOPE Pet Rescue, a no-kill pet shelter and adoption organization in Leavenworth, are suggested in keeping with his lifelong love of dogs. (Website: Home - Hope Inc.)