Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
John Thomas Wesley Price, 78, left this earth to be at home with his Lord Oct. 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. John attended Holliday 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, Gideons 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 grand-childrens 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. 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, Ariz., and Ralph Price of Prescott, Ariz.; and numerous other relatives. 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 Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 S.W. 10th, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 Gage, Topeka. Burial will be in the East View Cemetery in the town of Big Springs, Kan. (East of Topeka off of Hwy-40). The Price family request that donations be made in John s name to one of the following: Cancer Care Center at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Topeka Rescue Mission, Gideons International or First Southern Baptist Church AWANA Program in Topeka. John will be missed by many. Online condolences may be shared at www.penwellgable.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Price and Family:
I am sorry to hear of your loss but I am certain that Mr. Price is at the Lords side. I have so many memories of Mr Price and all the games at SCABA. He was a great man and serves as an example for my generation...they don't make them like him anymore. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Boyd
November 3, 2003
I offer my condolences to the family, especially John and Tom whom I played ball with for a few years with your dad coaching. May God rest his soul. He was a good man.
Kenny Ziegler
November 1, 2003
Our deepest respects to your family. John, Jana, Camri, and Taylor Zwiesler
John Zwiesler
October 30, 2003
To John's family:
John has been an inspiration in my life whether it be in enjoying my time with my family (because he did), sports ( because he did ), singing ( because he did ) but most importantly to place a high value on my word to others and trust that God's Will, will be done in life. All this is what John Price has left to me.
God Bless You and Comfort each of you at this time.
In Christ's Love
Bob Courtney
Bob Courtney
October 29, 2003
Shirley and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We all have very fond memories of John and were blessed to have known him and your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time.
Joel Johnston
October 29, 2003
Aunt Shirley and cousins,
We are so sad to hear about Uncle Johnny but rejoice in his homegoing. We know how he served his Lord his whole life and I imagine he is catching Grandma and Grandpa Price up on all of us! We are sorry we can't also be there to share these days with you all but send our Daddy and Grandy to represent all of us. Know that we are there in prayer and thought. Though the children only saw Uncle Johnny a few times in their lives, they each one cried upon hearing the news. He had that much impact on them! We look forward to the day we will all be together for eternity! We love you!
Lisa, Meghan, Kelsey, Jordan Dahlin
October 29, 2003
We are sad to see that such a wonderful person has passed on. Our sympathy goes out to Shirley and all of her family. May the tears you shed today become happy memories as time goes on. John will always be in our thoughts. John always shared stories of his past, which we always thought interesting. We saw John as a person who would always be willing to help others and ask nothing in return. As an extended family, we have always felt welcome into the Price family and will continue to look forward to the future when we get together again!!! We especially remember John when he assisted Santa with a birthday party for a 3 y/o. May God bless your family and keep you in his arms.
John , Lori and Joseph Clark
October 28, 2003
John, Jan and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you.
Mary and Emma Shaw
Mary Shaw
October 28, 2003
April Cibulski
October 28, 2003
Paul Cibulski
October 28, 2003
Dear Shirley and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have lost a wonderful friend. We loved him very much. We will miss him so much, as I'm sure you all will. If we can do anything please let us know. Love Lola and Jerry
Jerry & Lola Hunter
October 28, 2003
Ken, Shirley, Timothy, Natasha, and all the Price family,
My heart goes out to you. I know this is a difficult time. Even though we know, that as Christians, we will be re-united with those we love, it is always hard to be seperated from them in death! My prayers are with you!
Barb Short
Barb Short
October 28, 2003
Sorry to hear of your loss. Steve Huyett, son of Kennetn and Frances Huyett, Berryton; local address; P. O. Box 5, Berryton, Ks 66409
Steven Huyett
October 28, 2003
Our deepest sympathy to the family, we feel good knowing right where John is, with the LORD, you have our prayers and we will miss this great and good man......
Dick and Jeanette Volk
October 28, 2003
To Shirley and John's family, Just a note to express our sincere sympathy in your loss. We rejoice with you in knowing that John is in the presence of the LORD. It has been a priviledge to know John for many years.
Bill & Shirley Streeter
October 28, 2003
John was part of our lives for many years at various times, but he was at his best when he donned that red suit and silver white beard and became the world's best Santa Claus. One year, he came to our family Christmas dinner and the little ones talked about him for months. With his cheery smile, sparkling eyes, and booming voice his presence was always welcome. The pride in his family and obvious love of life made John one of God's examples for all of us. He will be missed.
Duane Nightingale
October 28, 2003
Dear Shirley and family,
Audrey and I were sorry to hear of John's homegoing, but know that he is far better off than we could ever imagine. I am sure that the Lord will continue to watch over all of you, and we will be praying to that end.
The obituary was excellent. It portrayed John as he was--selfless and giving. I remember when he fought so hard to get my "educable" brother, Jack, a job at Santa Fe. It was a life saver for mom to have Jack employed and a comfort to know that John was keeping an eye on him. Even John's attempt to find the communion table from the old church for me is just another reflection of his heart for others. All those rewards that John did not get here he is getting there.
May the Lord continue to bless you all.
Jim and Audrey Weaver
Jim Weaver
October 28, 2003
I will always remember John's beautiful voice. As a teenager he got my attention while singing. He is with our Lord and Savior now where he will never feel any pain or be sad again!
Chris Driggers
October 28, 2003
Tom,
I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and your family. God has taken home one of his great soldiers. Your dad lived a wonderful life. He wants you to do the same. Keep God in your life and you can't go wrong. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love ya! long time school friend!!!!!
Dawn Patterson Parker
Dawn Patterson-Parker
October 28, 2003
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more