Frank Henry Gallagher of Hoxie, Kansas quietly passed away surrounded by his daughters, on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care, Hoxie, Kansas. Frank was born at the family farm in Rural Sheridan County on March 10, 1933, to Phil and Mary (Taylor) Gallagher. Frank attended and graduated from district # 55 Henry School and attended Sheridan County High School for one year. Frank’s father needed Frank to help on the farm; so, he went to work helping his father. By the age of 8 Frank had experience pulling the combine with the tractor and at the age of 13 Frank bought his first car. The family moved to Hoxie in 1944.
On November 28, 1956, Frank married the love of his life, Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Frank and Joyce were blessed with a family of six children, Stan, Maryln, David, Leanna, Ladonna, and Mary. Frank loved his family and was always happy to spend time with them. Frank always bought his grandkids cowboy boots from Jim Schaffer for double or nothing at Cooper Dry Goods.
Frank worked hard and held many jobs. Some of those jobs were pitching thrasher machines for others, at age 14 worked at the skating rink, worked for Triangle Inn cooking hamburgers, hauled freight for UPS for 10 years, unloaded boxcars of concrete for Foster Lumber Yard, farmed, raised cattle and hogs with his dad. In the 60’s he hauled rock for the elevator and Coop. In the 70s and 80s, Frank worked for the City of Hoxie. When the City of Hoxie purchased the first trash truck, Frank set up the schedule and became the first driver. Frank was a city Cop with Millard Johnson for 2 days a week, Undersheriff for Dee Kratzer for a year, and spy cop for Jimmy Johnson. Frank retired at the age of 56 years. After retiring Frank and Joyce traveled all over the United States. For thirty-three years they spent the winters in the south and the summers in Colorado. He loved to travel and visit with friends and family.
Frank worked hard, but he enjoyed collecting old tractors. The first tractor Frank drove was a new 1944 Minneapolis tractor, and it was the last tractor he sold. Frank was always willing to help others. If someone needed help moving, he was there to help, and if someone needed a driver, he was ready and willing to help. Frank was a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree, and a member of the Hoxie Elks Club.
Frank leaves to mourn his passing, daughters, Leanna Sloan (Tom) of Hoxie, Ladonna Joslyn (Mark) of Hoxie, and Mary Dumler (Alex) of Hoxie; daughters-in-law, Rosie Gallagher of Holcomb, KS and Bea Albers of Oakley, Kansas; brothers-in-law, Dale Jacob of Deerfield, KS and Loyal Jacob Jr..of Middleboro, MA; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by wife, Joyce Gallagher; parents, Phil and Mary Gallagher; children, Stan Gallagher, Maryln Roger, and David Gallagher; sister, Emma Helen Ochs; sisters-in-law Charlene Friedel, Betty Jacob, and Ann Jacob; brothers-in-law, Clare Jacob and Clem Ochs; and great-grandsons, Dustin Rietcheck and Dalton Garrison.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00 PM, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas. There will be a private burial at a later date in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery. Visitation at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS, will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. A Vigil and Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM immediately following the Visitation.
Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Long-Term Care Activities. Please make checks payable to the memorial fund of your choice. Memorials may be sent in the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.