David Russell Romine

David Russell Romine, 68, of Topeka, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2012 at his home following a three-year battle with lung cancer. He was born to the late Russell and Maxine Watson Romine of Carbondale on December 9, 1943 in Topeka, and graduated from Carbondale High School in 1961 as class secretary.

David married the late Sharon K. Hill of Soldier in 1964. The couple had two sons, and were divorced in 1974. He was employed at Security Benefit Life Insurance Company for more than 35 years. He later was employed as a customer service representative at Kansas City Life Insurance Company in Kansas City, MO before retiring in 2009. David enjoyed gourmet cooking, genealogy, schnauzers, entertaining family and friends and vacationing in Palm Springs, CA.

David married Larry Barrett, who worked for Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home for more than 15 years, Nov. 2, 2008 in Palm Springs. Theirs was a double marriage ceremony with David's son, Damon E. Romine and husband, Charles W. Robbins of Los Angeles. David is survived by his husband, his son, Damon; son, Jason O. Romine of Palm Springs; brother, Larry Romine and his wife Connie of Overbrook; sister, Deffene Emperley and her husband Roger of Topeka; and six nieces and nephews. Also surviving are stepchildren, Brian Barrett, his wife Lori and their children Peyton and Natalie of Winchester; Brent Barrett DVM, his wife, Tracey of Ocala, FL; and Erika Chowning and her children, Barrett, Brody and Gantry of Colorado Springs, CO.

The family will meet friends from 5-6 pm on Wednesday, May 23 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, followed by a celebration of life at 6 pm. There will be a memorial service and inurnment of ashes in Palm Springs at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TARC, 2701 SW Randolph Ave., Topeka, KS 66611 or to Bloom in the Desert Ministries, 3155 East Ramon Rd., Box 802, Palm Springs, CA 92264-7977.