Carolyn Stark Gentry

Carolyn Stark Gentry, 93, Topeka, died Saturday, April, 14, 2007. She was the daughter of Balfe H. Stark and Mary Axtell Stark. She graduated from Topeka High in 1931. After attending several universities, with K.U. being her favorite, she graduated with a degree to teach mathmatics. On November 29, 1935, she was married to Donald G. Gentry. They were married 62 years. Don's engineering work with the Shelter Belt Project in Texas and his designing dams for the U.S. Engineers in Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas caused them to move frequently. During World War II, they lived near Camp Hulen, Texas and Camp Cook, California. When he left for combat in the South Pacific, Carolyn returned with four year old Barbara to live with her parents in Topeka. After the war, the family settled permanently in Topeka where Don eventually became a partner in the Finney and Turnipseed Engineering Firm. They enjoyed many delightful cruises after they had their children educated. Due to Don's ill health, they moved to Aldersgate Village in November of 1996, and he passed away a year later. Carolyn was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and taught Sunday school for many years, was a member of a book club and served as a Deacon. She enjoyed being the member who had been there the longest. She was proud of being a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution and of the Topeka Stamp Club. Her hobbies included handwork, stamp collecting and reading. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Carol of Kaufman, Texas and Mary Dee Brown of Liberty, Missouri; one son, James W. Gentry of Lincoln, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren with another on the way. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Wesley Hall at Aldersgate Village. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Aldersgate Good Samaritan Fund, 7220 S.W. Asbury Dr., Topeka, KS. 66614, the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 S.W. Boswell, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 S.W. 29th St., Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.