John “Jack” C. Dicus, 91, of Topeka, passed away peacefully June 19, 2024, in the company of his children.
A proud Kansan, Jack was born May 16, 1933, in Hutchinson, the son of George and Desda (Carmack) Dicus. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1951 and went on to the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Navy ROTC. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business in 1955, Jack spent 3 years in the United States Navy.
At KU, Jack met the love of his life, Betty Bubb, and they married on February 4, 1956, at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in Topeka. He was the beloved Dad to his daughter, Debbie, and son, John, and Papa to his six adoring grandchildren.
An only child growing up, Jack delighted in his family and friends. He loved spending time with them on annual trips to Colorado and going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and performances.
Jack was an avid gardener who loved pansies and gladiolas. He was an ardent supporter of KU, attending football and basketball games every season for the last 73 years. Ever the gentleman, it was rare to see him wearing anything other than a sport coat.
After serving in the Navy, Jack dedicated the next 60 years to Capitol Federal Savings, where he became the Chairman, President, and CEO.
He was an active leader in his community, serving on many organization boards. He was a Trustee of the KU Endowment Board and served as President of the KU National Alumni Association, as well as Potentate of the Topeka Arab Shrine Temple and Senior Warden at Grace Episcopal Cathedral.
Jack earned the Fred Ellsworth Medallion in 1990 from the University of Kansas, the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Washburn University in 2000 and multiple other community awards. He was inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame in 2006.
He is survived by his children, Debbie (Ben) Kennedy Stark and John (Brenda) Dicus; his grandchildren, Betsy Kennedy, Tommy (Kyle) Kennedy, Scott (Allie) Kennedy, Ellen Dicus, Emily (Billy) Skrobacz and Laura Dicus; and his great-grandchildren, Charlie and Riley Kennedy and Charlotte Skrobacz.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Dicus, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Cathedral or to the KU Endowment, 1891 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66047.
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