Kirk Alan Baughan

Kirk Alan Baughan, age 72, of Overland Park, KS passed away December 4, 2024 after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Kirk was born in Salina, KS on July 29th, 1952, the son of James and Beulah Baughan. Kirk grew up in Salina with his three brothers – Bruce, Brad (Carol) and Kent (Sandy) Baughan, and his sister, Kim (Pat) Schnee. 

Kirk graduated from Salina High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University in 1974. After graduation he embarked on a successful career in higher education fundraising that took him across the country including stops at K-State, Northern Colorado, Denver University, Arizona State, and UMKC. He retired in 2020.

On July 28th, 1973 Kirk married his high school sweetheart, Laura Ann Stewart, also of Salina, KS. The couple had four daughters – Sarah (Matt) Charvat , Amy (Marshall) Meek, Emily (Bryon) Wright and Abby Baughan. 

Kirk and Laura’s daughters have given them 14 grandchildren, all of whom live in Kansas. Proximity combined with Kirk’s deep love of his family have filled his retirement years with family gatherings, youth sporting events, performances and graduations. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and was especially known for his strong Catholic faith, his cooking, his love of dogs, and watching old black and white movies. He was also an avid fan of Kansas State football and basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. In his retirement, Kirk became quite a world traveler. His favorite travel adventure was a cruise of the Holy Land.

Kirk is preceded in death by his mother, Beulah Baughan, father, James Baughan and brother, Bruce Baughan. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Laura, brothers, Brad and Kent, sister, Kim, all of four of his daughters and 14 grandchildren – Mason, Carter, Lilly, Elliott, Grace, and Jude Charvat; Audrey, Wesley, Brady, Samuel, and Rylee Meek; Addison, Emmett, and Ella Wright. He is also survived by many close cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the rosary will be prayed at 5 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS. 

Funeral services will be held at St. John Paul II Catholic Church on Monday, December 9th at 10:00 AM followed by a short burial service at Pleasant Valley Cemetery located at 9501 159th St, Overland Park, KS. 

Family and friends are welcome at both events. On his last day, Kirk expressed his desire for the services to be filled with “more joy than sadness.” Feel free to wear cheerful colors to both events as we celebrate the life of a truly great family man: Kirk Alan Baughan.

Memorial contributions in honor of Kirk can be made to the Witness To Hope capital campaign at St. John Paul II Parish, 18335 W 168th Ter. Olathe, KS 66062.