Frank Buckley Harkins

Frank was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, to Dolores L. (Kenning) and Jerry Harkins Jr. on September 12, 1962. Frank grew up in Kansas City, St. Louis, Virginia, and Iowa. Frank attended Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa and graduated from Aquinas High School in Fort Madison, Iowa in 1980. He went on to attend Cardinal Newman College in Normandy, Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Iowa in 1984. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education from the University of St. Mary.

Frank married Mary E. Gladbach on April 22, 1989 and built a family with their 5 children. Frank worked for many years in education, teaching many students about the history of the Catholic church, US government, and US history. He taught for 3 years at Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City and worked for 22 years at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas. Frank loved engaging his students and making class fun, even providing extra credit for writing “Go Chiefs” on an assignment. Frank also coached freshmen baseball and freshmen men and women’s basketball.

Frank was truly a “jack of all trades”. Following his work as a teacher, he worked in facilities management and maintenance. Frank was a handyman and did not hesitate to tackle do-it-yourself repairs.

Frank was a very outgoing person and would make friends wherever he would go. Frank had a laugh that would light up a room. He loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Oklahoma Sooners football. Frank was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Frank also spent many years as a basketball referee for the Catholic Youth Organization.

Frank experienced several health challenges in the past few years. His strong will and his faith in God renewed his spirit and energized his will to live. We are grateful for the time we had on earth with Frank and look forward to reuniting with him in eternal life.

Frank is survived by his mother, Dolores L. Harkins of Kansas City, MO; son, Nathan Harkins of Neosho, MO; daughter, Teresa Snyder (Jamie) of Overland Park, KS; son, Jerome Harkins of Mission, KS; son, Paul Harkins and daughter, Grace Harkins of Overland Park, KS; brother, Joseph Harkins (Connie) of McPherson, KS; brother, Luke Harkins of Kansas City, MO; brother, Patrick Harkins (Allyson) of Raymore, MO; sister, Mary Quinn (Don) of Kansas City, MO; sister, Katy Urbik (Mike) of Wheaton, IL; brother, Michael Harkins of Seattle, WA; brother, Daniel Harkins (Sandi) of Overland Park, KS, and sister, Maureen “Molly” Harkins of Zacatecas, Mexico. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Harkins; his nephew, Fr. Evan Harkins, and his father, Jerry Harkins Jr.

A visitation for Frank will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will occur Friday, December 31, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Cemetery off Locust Road in Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Harkins family.