Eugene Harke, age 86, was born on August 9, 1939, to Herbert R. and Mina V. Harke at the family home south of Hooker, Oklahoma. He died on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas. Eugene was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hooker, Oklahoma.

He attended Adams Oklahoma School, graduating in 1957. He then attended Panhandle State University, graduating in 1961. While attending Panhandle State he met the love of his life Bonita Smith. They married in 1960.

After graduating college, Eugene and Bonita started their teaching careers in Pritchett, Colorado. While at Pritchett they got their Master’s Degree. Eugene went on to teach at Elkhart, Kansas and Liberal, Kansas. He retired from teaching after 40 years. He also farmed for 36 years.

In 1972, Eugene and Bonita purchased land outside of Tyrone, Oklahoma where they built a home and farmstead.

Eugene was a loving husband, father, grandfather and educator.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Liberal, Kansas.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, son, Devin Gene, and brother, Jerry.

He is survived by wife, Bonita. Daughter, Diana Edwards, and her husband, Joel of Marianna Florida. Son, Kelby Harke and his wife Janice of San Antonio, Texas. Five grandchildren; Timothy Edwards, Katy Edwards and her husband Edward Prashanth, Jeffrey Edwards and his wife, Austin, Tabitha Edwards and Rebekah Edwards. Sister Anita Witt and her husband, Loren. Nephews, Stanley and Steven Witt, and sister-in-law, Kathleen Fyffe.

Visitation will be 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas. The family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1200 W. 11th Street, Liberal, Kansas.

A interment will follow at the Hooker Cemetery. Hornung Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.