Edward "Ed" F. Kovac

Ed Kovac passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, where he lived until 1972, when he and his beloved wife, Diana, moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where they made their home and raised their family.

Ed was born to Edward J. Kovac and Alice Wrobleski Kovac. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Frank T. Kovac. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Diana Branson Kovac, daughter Deborah Kovac Phan (Quoc) of Edgerton, MO., son Edward A. Kovac (Amelia) of Overland Park, and his three cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Taylor, and Connor. He is also survived by his sister, Suzan Kovac Newcomb, along with many extended family members and friends.

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. During his service, he was granted Top Secret cryptographic clearance and was stationed in Italy, where he served as a morse code intercept operator. He carried great pride in his military service throughout his life. 

Following his honorable discharge, Ed dedicated nearly 40 years of service to Kansas City Power & Light, working in the underground department. He was widely respected for his strong work ethic and dependability, calling in sick only once during his entire career. 

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Ed took private pilot lessons in the late 1960s and maintained a deep love for flying. He spent countless hours on flight simulators and meticulously organized binders filled with airport diagrams, runway details, and flight plans—testaments to his passion and precision. 

Ed attended Bishop Ward High School and lived his life rooted firmly in the Catholic faith. He spent most of his adult years as a faithful parishioner of Cure of Ars Catholic Parish in Leawood, Kansas. He rarely missed Mass and found great joy in witnessing his children and grandchildren receive the sacraments of the Church. 

Above all, Ed was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His quiet strength, unwavering faith, and steadfast love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We commend him to God’s mercy and pray that he now rests in eternal peace.

Donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Northeast   https://catholiccharitiesks.org/donate/