Frankie Lee Palcher

Frankie Lee Palcher, age 86 of Basehor, died peacefully on October 28, 2024, surrounded by those that loved him dearly. 

Frankie was born in Kansas City, Kansas on September 7, 1938, and was surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins as he grew up on Strawberry Hill. He is a Bishop Ward graduate who also served in the Air Force before meeting and marrying the great love of his life, Connie Grace. Frank and Connie brought up their three daughters to value family. Frank and Connie enjoyed wintering in Pharr, Texas for many years, watching KU basketball, traveling, and spending time at the family cabin at Lake of the Ozarks that Frank helped to build alongside his father-in-law, Moon Muder. Frank was a Chiefs season ticket holder for more than 40 years and rarely missed a game.

Known for his amazing memory to be able to recite dates and family relationships, Frankie was the unofficial family genealogist who made trips to the Palcher family homeland of Slovenia to learn more about the family heritage. He was also well-known for playing the accordion at family functions and also performed a porch concert for family and neighbors during the covid pandemic that was covered by local news outlets. No family gathering was complete without polka songs performed by Frankie on one of his many accordions. He was also a member of the Ed Grisnik Polka Band for many years and a member of Holy Family Church until his death.

Frankie was an electrical engineer by trade working for various telecommunications companies including Southwestern Bell, AT&T, and Sprint over his career. Friends and family would describe Frank as a humbled, kindhearted and compassionate man. He was full of wisdom, but respectful to deliver only when requested. His smile was heartwarming and his hugs were genuine. Frank was a man of integrity, even when no one was looking. He invested in staying connected with loved ones, near and far.

Frankie is preceded in death by his parents, Frank John Palcher and Sarah Elizabeth (Wombles) Palcher; his sister Betty Jo Carter; and his beloved wife of 50 years Connie Grace (Muder) Palcher. He leaves his three daughters, Beth Anne Kornegay of Shawnee; Jeanene Marie Goodwin of Lawrence; and Jamie Susanne Carey of KCK. He also leaves two grandsons, Brandon Lee Goodwin of Shawnee and Alexander Cole Wall of San Diego; a granddaughter, Sydney Marie Goodwin of Lawrence; as well as a great-grandson who could always put a twinkle in Frank’s eye, Walter Patrick Goodwin. He also leaves a grieving long-time companion, Barbara Messer, who helped to add joy and love to the last ten years of his life and for whom the family is eternally grateful.

Visitation will be held at Skradski Funeral Home on November 6 from 6-8pm and the funeral will be held at Holy Family Church, located at 274 Orchard in Kansas City, Kansas at 10am on November 7. Burial will be alongside his beloved Connie Grace at Chapel Hill Cemetery and a luncheon for family and friends to be held at the Basehor VFW, located at 2806 N. 155th, afterwards. 

# # # # # #