Francis Earl Shinogle

September 21, 1930 - June 20, 2016

Francis Earl Shinogle, 85, was born September 21, 1930 in rural Plains, Kansas, to August (Gus) and Elizabeth Shinogle. He entered his heavenly kingdom on June 20, 2016, where he joined his loving wife of 53 years, Eleanor Clare Shinogle.Earl grew up on the family homestead, south of Plains and attended Glendale Rural School and Plains High School. He was a longtime farmer in Meade County, taking over the family homestead from his father Gus and Grandfather Ferdinand.Earl enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955, serving in Frankfurt, Germay and the US. He was honorably discharged in 1961. As a young father , Earl served as a volunteer firefighter and a Boy Scout Leader. He was often called to assist farmers and ranchers throughout Meade County and served as a Deputy Sheriff. He also worked part-time as a town marshal in Plains and security guard at National Beef in Liberal, KS. He was a life-long and active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, serving in many ministries. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Plains Equity Exchange, and served the town of Plains in many capacities. He was known among the community as the early morning watchman, as he delighted in parking at the end of Grand Avenue to monitor the morning traffic and wait for the local café or coffee shop to open.Earl is survived by one brother , Paul Shinogle of Wichita, KS; his five children: Allen Shinogle & wife Sherry of Littleton, CO; Terrance Shinogle & wife Kimberly of Plains; Timothy Shinogle & wife Pamela of Arlington, TX; Melissa Mellen & husband Barry of Woodland Park, CO and Ronald Shinogle & wife Amy of Peoria, Il: his twelve grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Eleanor, and one brother, Albert Shinogle.Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Fr. Ted Skalsky and Deacon Jacob Schneider presiding. Burial will be held in Plains Cemetery.Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Plains. Visitation time will be held from 9am to 4 pm Thursday at Brenneman Funeral Home. The casket will remain closed. Memorial contributions may be sent to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901