GENE T. MCGRAW
Eugene “Gene” T. McGraw, 92, of Bonner Springs, KS passed away at his home on Feb. 28, 2017. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 5 from 2 -4:30 p.m., with a 4:30 rosary, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5501 Monticello Rd, Shawnee, KS 66226. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 6 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart, with burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, KS. Gene was born in Hogue, KS in 1925, the second of 10 children of Henry and Eva McGraw. Following his high school graduation from Jarbalo High School, he served in the Navy in the South Pacific during WWII and later became a member of the VFW Post 6401. He returned home and married Helen (Nick) in 1950 and for 66 years, never left her side. Gene worked for 36 years as a Lead Lineman for KCP&L and later enjoyed the annual Lineman’s Rodeo. After retiring, he enjoyed working at Vesta Lee Lumber, pitching horseshoes in the Bonner Springs Horseshoe Club, serving on the Parks and Recreation Board, and coaching many teams throughout the years. He was awarded the Marion Vaughn Community Award in 2007. In addition, he was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3146 and Assembly 3629 in Basehor, KS. As a lifelong member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, he enjoyed being an usher, and serving on the Athletic Committee as a founding member of the CYO Brown Bottle Dinner and Auction. Also, a huge baseball fan, he was thrilled to receive the Our Heroes Award from the Kansas City Royals in 2015. In his later years, he enjoyed his KCP&L and Cliff’s coffee groups, dinners with his siblings, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed sharing from his garden; especially, his prized potatoes that he planted yearly on St. Patrick’s Day. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers; Henry McGraw, Leavenworth, KS; Dan Eddy McGraw, Kansas City, Kansas; Jim McGraw, Kansas City, KS and grandson Henry Nulton, KCMO. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and 7 children: Mike McGraw (JoDee), Olathe, KS; Pat McGraw (Susan), Oklahoma City, OK; Theresa Schuman (Steve), Basehor, KS; Maura Nulton (Carnie), KCMO; Carol Farnsworth (Steve), Bonner Springs, KS; Tim McGraw (Jane), Shawnee, KS; Melissa Hornback (Joe), Shawnee, KS; 23 grandchildren; 2 great children; 3 brothers (Leo, Bob, Charlie); and 3 sisters (Marion Hoffman, Rosemond Marx, and Dorothy Miller). He will be greatly missed, but his family finds comfort in believing, “His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master's happiness” (Mt.25.23).

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund in care of the funeral home.