Prentiss L. Bearden, Jr., 20, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011. He was born February 8, 1990 in Topeka, the son of Prentiss and Melanie J. Copeland Bearden, Sr.
He attended Topeka Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence Gardner High School. He attended Highland Community and Bryan College. Prentiss was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Survivors include his father, Prentiss (Crystal) Bearden, Sr. of Olathe, his mother, Melanie J. Copeland of Manhattan, his sister, Micollette Taylor of Tecumseh, his paternal grandmother, Bobbie J. Bearden of Topeka, his maternal grandmother, Ann L. Copeland of Centralia, his uncles, Clinton (LeAnn) Bearden of Topeka, James (Cindy) Copeland of Mesa, AZ, and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Prentiss was preceded in death by his uncle, Deward Robinson, grandfathers, John J. Copeland and Navois L. Bearden.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Prentiss will lie in state after Noon Thursday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the organization of the donor's choice.