John Brenton

John P. Brenton, 81, of Topeka, died Wednesday March 16 at his home.

He was born September 1, 1923 in Eureka, the son of Earl and Lena Brenton.

He attended Lapland School and Eureka High School, worked on the family farm, and joined the Army at the end of World War II. He served in the 11th Airborne Division during the occupation of Japan. He then returned to Eureka where he worked for Straight Motor Co. Before joining the Kansas National Guard full time, he served 38 years in various capacities at Eureka, Abilene, Manhattan and Topeka. In 1961, he was called to active duty at Fort Riley during the Berlin Crisis. He retired from the National Guard with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 in September of 1983. He was an avid mechanic, and all around handyman for family and friends. He was active in his community and church, and spent considerable time helping raise his grandchildren.

He married Mary Jane Brenton on June 3, 1945 in Eureka. She preceded him in death on December 18, 2003. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Alta Keith and Lola Bailey; three brothers, George, Frank, and Charles (Chig) Brenton.

Survivors include two sons; James A Brenton and his wife, Athanasia of Olathe, Ronald E. Brenton and his wife Patty of Lawrence; two daughters, Tamara J. Taylor and her husband Gregg of Salina and Sandra K. Stroud and her husband Lyle of Topeka, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. Brenton will lie in state after after 1:00 pm Friday, March 18 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8: 30 that evening. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, March 19 at the funeral home. Interment will be at 3:00 pm Saturday in Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to: highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE. Michigan, Topeka, Kansas 66605.