Edward McAtee

Edward J. “Ed” McAtee, 79, of Overland Park and formerly of St. Paul and Newton, passed away at 4:33 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. Luke’s South in Overland Park. Devoted to his family, Ed will be remembered for his lifelong love of learning, quick wit, generous spirit, and gift for teaching.

Edward Joseph McAtee was born on April 18, 1947, to Harold and Addie (Balfay) McAtee in Parsons, Kansas. He was the fifth of 14 children and took great pride and joy in being part of such a large family. His love for the outdoors began as a young boy growing up in the Greenbush area. Along with exploring the outdoors, Ed loved reading and had a remarkable gift for remembering nearly everything he read. He attended elementary school in Greenbush and spent his ninth grade year at St. Francis De Sales Seminary in Oklahoma City before graduating from St. Francis High School in St. Paul.

Following high school, Ed earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University in 1968. On August 30, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen “Kathy” Brogan, at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. Together, Ed and Kathy were about to celebrate 58 beautiful years of marriage.

Ed began his teaching career in the Newton public school system, where he taught seventh and eighth grade American history. After moving to Newton, he continued his education at Wichita State University, earning both his master’s and specialist’s degrees.

The young couple initially thought they might stay in Newton for only a few years, but they built a home and a life there for 40 years, forming many lasting friendships. Ed flourished in his teaching career. His love for his students and colleagues kept him at the middle school level, where he found his calling and made a lasting impact.

Throughout his career, Ed was very involved in the National Education Association. He served as president at the local level and was the chief negotiator for Newton teachers, helping secure raises for educators over several years.

After retiring from public education, Ed taught eighth grade history and religion for four years at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita. He loved teaching there, but complications from diabetes, including the loss of his vision, eventually led to his second retirement.

Ed and Kathy later moved to Overland Park to be closer to their children and grandchildren. During their 18 years there, they once again built a warm community of friends.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ed considered his children and grandchildren the light of his life. Even after losing his vision, he remained deeply engaged with his grandchildren, playing with them, teaching them, and sharing his curiosity about the world. The influence of his paternal grandfather, George, made Ed a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a student of life—always interested in, and well-versed on, current events, politics, and sports. Just before his passing, Ed cast his early vote in the Kansas primary election. His sharp memory made him an unbeatable opponent in Trivial Pursuit, and he never passed up a good card game.

Although Ed’s later years brought challenges, especially the loss of his sight, the love and support of his children, grandchildren, and friends sustained him. He never lost his sense of humor, his enthusiasm for learning and reading, or his passion for the music he grew up with.

Survivors include his loving wife, Kathy; his daughter, Carrie, and her husband, Brian Naifeh; his son, Todd, and his wife, Heidi Braun; five grandchildren, Marcus, Kobie, Leah, Margot, and Sam; his brothers, Dennis McAtee and Randy McAtee; and his sisters, Jeanne Theis, Betty Bettega, Kathy Cichon, Nan Bortnick, Donna Renn, and Paula Duling. He is also remembered by many extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Michael L. “Mick” McAtee and Richard H. McAtee; and his sisters, Patricia Kirby, Francie McAtee, and Margaret McAtee.

Ed will be remembered for his quick mind, generous heart, enduring faith, and the joy he found in family, friendship, learning, and laughter.

The memorial Mass will be at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Parish in Leawood on Friday, August 21, at 11:00 a.m., with a rosary at 10:30 a.m. There will be a private family inurnment at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Ed’s honor may do so:

(1) online at https://give.harvesters.org/page/85661/donate/1 to benefit Harvesters Community Food Network, which provides meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity, or

(2) by mail at Tallgrass Creek, 13800 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66223, to benefit the Tallgrass Creek Scholarship Fund, which provides higher education scholarships to eligible student employees who work hard to serve the Tallgrass Creek Senior Living community.

Memorial donations to Harvesters or the Tallgrass Creek Scholarship Fund may also be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.