Eugene Harke, 86, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal.
He was born Aug. 9, 1939 to Herbert and Mina Harke.
He married Bonita Smith in 1960. She survives.
He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hooker, Okla.
He attended Adams Oklahoma School, graduating in 1957. He then attended Panhandle State University, graduating in 1961.
After graduating college, he started his teaching career in Pritchett, Colo. Eugene went on to teach in Elkhart and Liberal. He retired from teaching after 40 years. He also farmed for 36 years.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Liberal.
Survivors also include daughter, Diana Edwards, and husband, Joel; son, Kelby Harke and wife, Janice; sister, Anita Witt and husband, Loren; five grandchildren: Timothy Edwards, Katy Edwards and husband, Edward Prashanth, Jeffrey Edwards and wife, Austin, Tabitha Edwards and Rebekah Edwards; nephews, Stanley and Steven Witt; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Fyffe.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Devin Gene; and brother, Jerry.
• Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church at 1200 W. 11th Street in Liberal.
Burial will follow at the Hooker Cemetery in Hooker, Okla.
Friends may call from 12 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at Hornung Family Funeral Home at 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal.
Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church, Tyrone Fire Department, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
