Obituary of Mary Kathleen Regan

Coffeyville - Mary Kathleen Regan, 79, of Coffeyville, passed away Tuesday (November 14, 2006) at Eagle Estates in Independence. She was born December 7, 1926 at Coffeyville to Martin and Helen (Welsh) Regan. She grew up in Coffeyville receiving her elementary education at Holy Name Catholic School, and graduating from Field Kindley High School. She graduated from Coffeyville Community College and received her degree in history from Kansas State University in 1949. She taught school in Abilene, KS, and then moved to Washington, D.C. where she was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency. After several years she returned to Kansas where she was appointed to the State Board of Management for the Republican Party. She was a member of the committee that brought Ronald Reagan to Independence for the Lincoln Day dinner Feb. 12, 1965; this was his first speech since his famous million dollar speech for Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. To accommodate those that couldn't attend the speech was carried live on television in the four state areas. In 1967 she began teaching at Field Kindley High School where she was student council sponsor for several years and enjoyed taking her students on field trips to the Gilcrease Museum and Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, OK. She retired in 1989. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Altar Society, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and Delta Kappa Gamma honorary teachers' society. Survivors include one brother, Mike Regan of Fairway, KS; two nieces, four great-nephews and one great niece. A Rosary Vigil Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday (November 17, 2006) at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday (November 17, 2006) at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Jerome Spexarth officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday to sign the register book at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, the casket will be closed. The family suggests memorials to Holy Name Catholic Church, contributions may be left with the funeral home.