Francis L.

Mahoney

Francis L. Mahoney, 96, of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on November 10, 2026, at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton. He was born on August 28, 1930, in Bunker Hill, Kansas, to Robert and Ida (Trapp) Mahoney. On February 4, 1952, Francis married Velma Weigel at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas. They shared 44 years of marriage before her passing in 1996. Francis later married Clarita (Goetz) Weigel on January 8, 2003. She preceded him in death in 2011.

Francis was born and raised in Bunker Hill, where he graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1948. He continued his education at Fort Hays State College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in School Administration.

Francis devoted his life to education, leaving a lasting impact on countless students, teachers, and families throughout his career. He began teaching in Herndon, Kansas, where he spent two years before serving as a teacher and principal at Paradise Grade School for eight years. In 1963, he joined USD 271, where he dedicated the next 36 years to education, serving for many years as a principal and administrator in the Stockton school system.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Francis was a gracious and kind man who led by example. He believed in treating everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect, and his gentle nature and thoughtful leadership earned him the admiration of those who knew him. His life was a reflection of his strong values, dedication to others, and genuine desire to make a difference in his community.

Francis was a devoted member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, where he served on the church council and faithfully cared for the parish cemetery as sexton. He was also a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a past member of the Stockton Rotary Club, a member of the Advisory Board for Smoky Hill Public Television, and a member of the Rooks County Historical Society. Through his many years of service, Francis demonstrated his deep commitment to his faith, education, and the community he proudly called home.

Francis is survived by his children, Greg Mahoney of Wichita, KS, Gina Dix (Mark) of Woodston, KS, and Gwen (David Floyd) Mahoney of Parker, CO; five grandchildren, Dustin Mahoney, Ross (Lori) Mahoney, Gabriel (Jennifer) Dix, Bethany (Seth) Stevens and Alaina (Blake) Van Eaton; and five great-grandchildren, Connor and Audrey Mahoney, Emma Dix, and Jacee and Trason Stevens. He is also survived by his step children, Mona Weigel, Overland Park, KS; Lou Ann Brungardt (Ralph), Hays, KS; Troy Weigel, Shawnee, KS; and Sue Wagner (Tracy), LaCrosse, KS; six step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ida; wives, Velma and Clarita; infant son, Gordon Allen Mahoney; and brothers, Bob, Martin and Bill Mahoney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the funeral home in Stockton, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to St. Thomas Catholic Church or Smoky Hills Public TV and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.