John E.L. Luft

John E.L. Luft, 86, of Topeka, died Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Rolling Hills Health Center. He was born June 12, 1925 in Topeka, the son of Carl and Goldie Mae (Seaman) Luft.
John grew up in rural Osage County and the Bucklin/Kingsdown areas of Kansas. He graduated from Kingsdown High School in 1943. John entered the Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He re-entered the Navy and served during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1952.
John married Lorna Lee Perry on August 24, 1963 in Waverly, KS. She survives. John was employed as an electrician at Goodyear Tire & Rubber for 36 years. He was an active Union member and a member and term president of the New Voice Club, an organization for people who have had Laryngectomies. John enjoyed his time as a master gardener, reading, and playing chess.
John is survived by his wife, Lorna; children, Joanna Hart, Penny Greeve Biester; two brothers, one sister, two grandsons, and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 6th at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Topeka. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Penwell Gabel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Heartland Division, Inc., 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd. Topeka, KS 66604.