Luke B. Harkins

Luke B. Harkins, of Lenexa, KS, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. 

Luke was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Dolores L. Harkins (Kenning) and Jerry Harkins Jr. on January 30, 1958. Luke spent his childhood years in Kansas City, St. Louis, Virginia, and Iowa. He graduated from Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa before continuing to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he graduated in 1980. Luke then went on to graduate from the University of Kansas Law School and practiced law in Kansas City.

Luke married Diane Boddington of Kansas City, Kansas on November 14th, 1981 and built a home in Kansas City, Kansas, where they raised two beautiful daughters. Though they divorced in 1990, they remained dedicated parents and friends throughout their lives. He was a proud and loving father, never missing his daughters’ games, activities, or other important events in their lives.

Luke was an avid sports fan throughout his life. His favorite teams included the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, and his beloved Kansas Jayhawks. He also enjoyed golf and soccer, and especially coaching soccer teams for both of his girls.

Luke liked spending time outdoors, often going on hikes with his girls or working in the yard. As a child, he greatly enjoyed spending time at his Grandmother Kenning’s house and later at his Uncle Maynard and Aunt Adele’s farm with his cousins. He was also very fond of Jeopardy and all things trivia, and almost always had a crossword puzzle nearby he was working on.

Luke loved music, especially Peter Gabriel, Weird Al Yankovic, the Dr. Demento Show, traditional Irish music, classical music, and 90’s alternative rock bands. His eclectic musical tastes heavily influenced his daughters who have very fond memories of listening to music with their dad.  

Luke began to experience health problems in 2018, and in 2022 was formally diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurological disease. While there is currently no cure or treatment, Luke and his family tried to make the most of the time they had left together. 

Luke is survived by his mother, Dolores L. Harkins; daughter, Heather Harkins (Ryan); daughter, Kaylee Harkins (David); step-granddaughters Rory and Margaret Heap; brother, Joseph Harkins (Connie); brother, Patrick Harkins (Allyson); sister, Mary Quinn (Don); sister, Katy Urbik (Mike); brother, Michael Harkins; brother, Daniel Harkins (Sandi); sister, Maureen “Molly” Harkins; and brother, Jameson Harkins; as well as many nieces and nephews. Luke was preceded in death by his brother, Frank “Buck” Harkins; his father, Jerry Harkins Jr.; and his nephew, Fr. Evan Harkins. 

A visitation for Luke will be held Monday, July 29, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon at the church. A processional will lead to a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, MO. The funeral service will be live streamed at https://www.cureofars.com/funeral. 

In remembrance of Luke’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to either CurePSP.org , the Mayo Clinic , or the Parkinson’s Exercise & Wellness Center in Overland Park, KS.