James A. Laing

James A. Laing, 89, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at a Topeka hospital. He was born on June 22, 1917 in Wayne Co., Iowa, the son of John and Osa Dunn Laing. James married Lenora Zook in May of 1946. She preceded him in death. Survivors include one daughter, Catherine Burgess of LeCenter, MN, three sons, John Laing of Kalispell, MT, Clinton Laing of Lawrence, Thomas Laing of Topeka, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. James graduated from high school in Lawrence in 1935. He was an Army Veteran of WWII, serving in the European Theater as a soldier in the 95th division. He was awarded the Bronze Star. After leaving military service, his career was spent as a passenger agent with Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Topeka since 1953. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church. Private inurnment will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be given to First Christian Church, 1880 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.