Marcus M Penney

Marcus M. Penney, of Topeka, Kansas, age 82, born February 27, 1924, died July 15, 2006. Marc was born in Marietta, Oklahoma, the son of Marcus L. Penney and Stella M. Haley. He lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, and attended Washburn University as an undergraduate and Kansas University for his masters in Educational Administration. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for WWII, and went to OCS, leaving the service as a Lieutenant. He worked for the Topeka Public School District. His hobbies included the theater and fishing. Marc was very active in the theater as a performer and as a volunteer. He was in numerous Topeka Civic Theater productions that earned him a number of awards. He was a co-founder of the Players' Company of Topeka in the 90's. His acting credits include made for television movies, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," and "Cross of Fire." He was a beloved teacher, counselor and principal in the Topeka Public Schools, as well as, Alumni Secretary of Washburn University in the 1970's. As a water safety instructor, he also is credited with teaching thousands of children and adults in the Topeka community to swim. Marc was a member of the St. David's Episcopal Church in Topeka. He was married to Phyllis Dawn Werner Penney, February 3, 1991 at St. David's. He is survived by his wife Phyllis of Topeka, his sister Marcene Skaggs of Angleton,TX, daughters Cindy Curwick and husband, Steve, of Fresno, CA ; Becky Capoccia of Kansas City, KS., and their mother, Betty Jo Penney, also of Topeka; step-daughter Kelly Thomas-Sanders and husband Thomas of Vashti, TX. He had seven grandchildren, Brian and Jennifer Curwick, Ben, Nick and Ted Capoccia, Zoie Fae and Wyatt Blue Sanders. He had two great-grandchildren, Breanne and Braeden Curwick. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jack Skaggs and son-in-law, Ronald J. Capoccia. Funeral services will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 2:00p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Donald F. Davidson. Immediately following the service, the burial will be at the churchyard of St. David's. Memorial contributions can be made to the Marcus M. Penney Memorial Fund at Topeka Civic Theater and Academy, 3028 S.W. 8th, Topeka, KS 66606. The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support at this time of sorrow.