Marion L. Bartlett

Marion L. "Ray" Bartlett, 87, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2010 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born on July 7, 1923 in Topeka, the son of Francis M. and Emma M. Johnson Bartlett.

Ray attended Topeka High School. He served in the Navy during WWII before transferring into the Naval Reserve for more than 29 years. Ray was employed by the Topeka Police Department for 26 years before retiring in 1974. He also served as Police Chief for Parsons, KS and then worked for the Kansas State Fire Marshal Department for 15 years before retiring. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, the Fraternal Order of Police, Golden Rule Lodge No. 90, AF&AM, the Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, the Arab Shrine Temple and the WWII Submarine Veterans Dry Docked Dolphins.

Ray married Dawn J. Johns on November 24, 1945 in Brisbane, Australia. She survives. Other survivors include one son, Bradley J. (Karen) Bartlett, Sr., of Topeka, two grandchildren, Ida and Brad, Jr., and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery. Ray will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western St., Topeka, KS 66611.