Joseph Conus

Joseph Ellis Conus, 90, of Topeka, died Friday, October 19, 2007 at Midland Hospice House.

He was born January 7, 1917 in Topeka the son of Joseph S. Conus and Mary Jessie (McGuire) Conus.

Mr. Conus was employed as a Head Mechanic and worked for Ryder Truck Rentals. In 1979 he retired from the USD 501 school district in which he held the position as a Security Officer as well as working 17yrs part-time for SWBT.

He volunteered over 20,000 hours to law enforcement and was responsible for establishing the Police Reserve in Topeka in 1953, from which he later retired in 1973. He was active in organizing efforts of recovery at the Melan Bridge Disaster in Topeka. Mr. Conus also received numerous awards, merits and citations from the city, state and federal officials for his efforts. One of these awards being a Leadership award from the Topeka Police Department in 1993. He had been a member of Golden Rule Lodge #90, York Rite and Arab Shrine.

Joseph married Margaret Frances Plackett May 31, 1941. She preceded him in death January 8, 2001. Survivors include his four sons, Thom E. Conus, Monet, MO; Howard D. Conus, Springfield, MO; Terry L. Conus, Topeka, KS; Robert J. Conus, Topeka, KS; and a daughter Mary Ann (Conus) Asbury, Topeka, KS; a sister Mary Jane Del Pra, Columbus, OH; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Mr. Conus will lie in state after 2:00 p.m., Monday at the Penwell-Gabel Midtown Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. that evening. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society 2625 NW Rochester Rd. Topeka, KS 66617.