Sydney Clarence Fluke

Sydney Clarence Fluke, 98, Topeka, entered into his eternal rest on Sept. 6, 2024. He was born December 27, 1925, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Melvina M. Robbins Fluke and Paul Clair Fluke

He attended Topeka High School prior to enlisting in the Navy in December, 1943. He served for 4 years as a coxswain during WWII in the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Topeka High School honored Sydney for his service to our country in a truly special and proud moment for him and his family by awarding him his high school diploma during graduation ceremonies for the class of 2001.

Sydney married Edna A. Gifford on January 22, 1949, in Topeka. He was employed at Brackett, Inc. of Topeka for 40 years before retiring. He was an ordained elder of John Knox Presbyterian Church and a member of Second Presbyterian Church.

Sydney enjoyed life and his family through many activities. They enjoyed roller skating, square dancing, bowling, camping vacations and traveling the country in their RV. Syd could craft or fix almost anything to the delight of his wife, children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends. He loved giving of his time to help others, particularly his church’s’ children and youth activities. His favorite hobby during retirement was a large fruit and vegetable garden he maintained and shared the bounty generously with friends and family. He continued his love of wood crafting in his home shop and later while residing at Brewster Place retirement community. Sydney was well known at Brewster for his skills and furniture repair.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Edna; a daughter, Sidra Pauline Fluke; sisters Winona Sheldon and Doris Nelson Blakeley; and a brother, Donald Fluke.

Surviving are children: Nancy Jo Leonard (Roger) of Topeka, Paul L. Fluke (Amy) of Topeka, and daughter, Karen M. McCracken (Tom) of Dallas, Texas; sister Phyllis Monteleone; grandchildren: Heather Scheibmeir, Thad Miller, Dustin Fluke (Laura), Kara Heckard (James), Molly Fluke (Mariah), Ian Fluke, and Clair Stout (Jeff); many great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Sept. 11th 2024 at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SE Burlingame Rd. Topeka. KS. Graveside service will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in the “Last Supper” section. Afterwards a [reception-luncheon] will follow at Countryside United Methodist Church

Sydney will lie in state from 6 till 8 PM on Sept. 10th at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Mid-town.

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