John T.W. Price

John Thomas Wesley Price, 78, left this earth to be at home with his Lord October 26, 2003, at
St. Francis Hospital, after suffering from Leukemia.

He was born June 9, 1925, in Topeka, Kansas to John A. and Elsie Price. He married Shirley June Loewen on March 2, 1948, in Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Fanny Glover.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Shirley J. Price; daughter Gail L. Scott and husband, Michael and their children, Garrett, Colin and Ryan of Topeka; sons John P. Price and wife, Jan and children, Brooke and J. P. and great granddaughter, Brianna of Topeka; Thomas J. Price and wife, Christi, and their children, Katie, Kelly and Riley of Berryton; Kenneth J. Price and wife, Shirley B., and their children, Timothy and Natasha of Topeka. Other survivors include sisters Louise Hines of Turlock, CA,; Janice Dahlin of Roseville, CA and stepsister Irene Harris of Burley, ID; brothers George Price of Sun City West, AZ and Ralph Price of Prescott, AZ; and numerous other relatives.

John attended Holiday Junior High and then completed his high school degree after his service in the Navy. He served his country in the Navy Seabees in the Pacific Theater of Operation in World War II. He worked faithfully for the Santa Fe Railroad for 43 years where he was a machinist. He also worked during that time as a painting contractor and continued to paint houses after his retirement.

He was a member of the Santa Fe Railroad Retirement, Gideon's International, First Southern Baptist Church, Santa Fe Bowling and Golf League. He coached and umpired SCABA baseball for many years. He volunteered at the Shawnee County jail as a Gideon, leading Bible studies. He was a faithful friend and handyman to many people and to those who were unable to help themselves.

He will be remembered as a beloved Santa Claus to many children and families. He played Santa for many years visiting nursing homes, hospitals and businesses all over Topeka and the surrounding area.

He spent much of his time involved with his children and grandchildren's sports. He enjoyed bowling, playing golf and hunting and fishing with his many friends.

He became a Christian as a young man and has served the Lord at First Southern Baptist Church for the past 24 years as a deacon, class director, and in the music department. All those who knew him remember his love for music and gifted singing voice.
Although he was weakened by his disease, he could look to Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." May these words be of encouragement to you!"
John will lie in state from Noon at Penwell-Gabel Midtown Chapel, 1321 SW 10th, Topeka, on Wednesday, October 29, where the family will receive friends. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, October 30, at the First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 Gage, Topeka. Burial will be in the East View Cemetery in the town of Big Springs, KS (East of Topeka off of Highway 40).
The Price family request that donations be made in John's name to one of the5.following: Cancer Care Center at St. Francis Hospital, Topeka, Topeka Rescue Mission, Gideon's International, or First Southern Baptist Church AWANA Program, Topeka. John will be missed by many. On line condolences may be made at www.penwellgabel.com