Howard John Birky Ph.D, 80, Overland Park, KS, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.  Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with the Funeral Mass following at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, at Cure' of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Rd. Leawood, KS. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Shawnee, KS.
     Dr. Birky was born August 17, 1938, to Elmer and Elva Birky in Shickley, NE.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Annaliese.  Survivors include his wife, Elisabeth and his sister, Edith Yoder and her husband, Mel.
     Dr. Birky graduated from Hesston College, Hesston, KS, Bethel College, Newton, KS and received his Doctorate in Psychology from Illinois State University.  Howard practiced family psychology for over 30 years in Harrisonville, MO. 
     His many volunteer activities included two years in PAX in Germany and more recently as a volunteer in Prague for Bread for the World.  After his retirement in 2007, he volunteered with Catholic Community Hospice, the food pantry at Catholic Charities, and at the Mennonite Hospitality House in Washington,DC.
     The family would like to thank Catholic Community Hospice for their kind and loving care and support.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cure' of Ars Church, Catholic Community Hospice or the Mennonite Central Committee. 
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