Francis Bernard Kraus, 90, of Conway Springs, died Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Spring View Manor, Conway Springs.

Bernard was born July 10, 1933, near Garden Plain to Arthur Joseph Kraus and Margaret (Cordes) Kraus. He moved with his family to Conway Springs on August 1, 1935. The family resided on a farm 5 miles southwest of town where Bernard attended Springdale rural school for three years. He attended grades 4-8 at St. Joseph Catholic School before graduating from Conway Springs High School with the class of 1951.

Bernard was united in marriage to Barbara Clara Roth on August 8, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas. They made their first home in Wichita where both of their children were born. They returned to Conway Springs in 1958.

Bernard worked for Cessna Aircraft in Wichita in the Shipping department while attending electronics school at WTI. He later worked as an electronic technician in the electronics department at Cessna before transferring out to the Flight Line. Bernard was promoted to supervision and later into management. In 1976, he was promoted into the modification department where he later retired as manager in 1996 after over 41 years with the company. He and Barbara later built a new home at 503 S. 7th St. in 2001. Barbara passed away on January 18, 2021.

Bernard was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he also served on the church committee and the HOC Committee. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #2987, Conway Springs and active in the CSHS Booster Club.

Bernard was also preceded in death by his parents: three brothers: Richard, Charles and Stanley Kraus; three sisters: Rita Leftwich, Jean Fiske and Kathleen Ternes.

He is survived by one son Gary Kraus of Wichita, KS; one daughter Brenda Beard and husband Gary of Ardmore, OK; one brother Gerald Kraus of Columbus, OH; one granddaughter Danielle Kraus, one grandson Keith Beard; two great grandsons: Parker and Dusty Beard and a number of other relatives and friends.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024 and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024 both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements are by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs, Kansas. Online condolences and guest book available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

Memorials have been established to St. Joseph Catholic Church and Envision.