Glenn E. Cafer

Glenn Ezra Cafer died Dec. 24, 2011 at his home in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by his family. Glenn was born March 1, 1931 in Wright City, Missouri to Bertha Krueger Cafer and Ezra Cafer.

Glenn married Iris Keller in 1956 and three children were born to the marriage. He married Jayne M. Elliott in 1979. She survives at their home in Topeka, Kansas.

Glenn was retired from Washburn University where he coached and taught for 29 years. He was also a coach and teacher at Washington High School (Missouri), Melville High School (Missouri), Moorehead State College (Minnesota), Drake University (Iowa) and the University of Missouri at Columbia.

After graduating from Moberly Junior College (Missouri) in the 1950's, Cafer became an all-conference basketball player at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University). He then served two years as first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and returned to campus where he received a master's degree in 1956. A member of the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame, he has also been named to the athletic hall of fame at both his alma maters in recognition of his accomplishments in basketball.

While at Washburn, Cafer had a long tradition of success which included stints as men's head basketball coach, women's assistant basketball coach, golf coach and athletic director. He is the second winningest men's basketball coach in Ichabod history with a record of 172 – 145 in 12 seasons, highlighted by three trips to the NAIA national tournament. During his ten years as the women's assistant basketball coach his teams compiled a record of 249 - 56. He also served as president of the NAIA national basketball tournament committee and was a clinician at many basketball coaching clinics throughout the Midwest. Washburn University recently awarded him with the Col. John Ritchie Award which honors distinguished men who are teachers or benefactors at Washburn and who have given service to their community and their chosen professions.
Glenn was a long-time member of the Silver Lake Methodist Church, where for many years he sang in the choir.

Glenn is also survived by his sister, Judy Flesch of Warrenton, Missouri, his children: Mitzi Cafer Rogers (Tony), Glenda Cafer (David Debenham), Douglas Cafer (Sheri), Mark Elliott (Deena Abbott), Melissa Elliott; Grandchildren: ; Cortney, Lindsey & Glynnis Debenham; Cameron & Preston Cafer; Jessica, Jordan & Jena Bigham ; Kacie Renyer; Haley Elliott & Zach Abbott; Thomas, Tana, Neshoni & Ason Rogers and 3 great grandchildren. He was a special person who touched many lives, was dearly loved and will be missed forever.

A memorial service will be held at Whiting Fieldhouse on the Washburn University Campus on Monday, January 2 at 10:30 am. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Glenn E. Cafer Scholarship Fund which is given each year to a Washburn student athlete. C/O Washburn FDN, 1729 SW MacVicar, Topeka, Kansas 66604.