August 10, 1936

Father William Chawke

Father Chawke was born in Granagh, Ballingarry, County Limerick, Ireland on December 14, 1883. He studied at the National School, Granagh; St. Michael’s College, Listowel; and St. Patrick’s College, Carlow where he was ordained on June 13, 1909. After serving as an assistant at the cathedral for six weeks, he was assigned to St. Mary’s Parish, McCracken, for ten years. His only other assignment as pastor was to St. Patrick’s Parish in Kingman. During his years at Kingman he built the brick school. On August 10, 1936 he traveled to Immaculate Conception Convent in Great Bend to attend the reception ceremony of a novice from Kingman and died of a heart attack just as the ceremony was about to begin. “Father Chawke was admired by priests and people for his fine priestly character.” (The Catholic Advance, Aug. 15, 1936) Bishop Schwertner celebrated Father Chawke’s funeral at St. Patrick’s Church in Kingman.