Randy Perez

Randy Perez, 65, of Topeka, Kansas, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus in the early hours of Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Randy was born January 29, 1957, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Rueben and Margaret Perez. The oldest of five children, Randy took his role as the protective, funny big brother very seriously. While Randy was not usually a troublemaker, he might have been the one who instigated the mischief and enjoyed laughing at the moment. This character trait remained with him throughout his life, leading the way to amusing antics, hilarious jokes, and rousing stories. After playing four years of baseball at Topeka High School, Randy was awarded a baseball scholarship to Coffeyville Community College. In 1979, Randy attended a CPR class at St. Francis Hospital where the love of his life happened to be teaching. Randy and Dee (Rieschick) went on to spend forty-three joyous years together, celebrating their thirty-sixth wedding anniversary on the morning that Dee gave Randy back to Jesus. Randy and Dee were rarely seen apart. They enjoyed traveling, seeing movies, shopping, trying new restaurants, attending concerts, and throwing parties. Their marriage is the epitome of unconditional, wholehearted love. The time Randy spent with his three sons and his nine grandchildren was the happiest in his life. His dedication, love, and care for his sons was tenfold for their children. Randy was perpetually inspired by his desire to see his grandchildren grow up. In January 2021, Randy retired from Lawrence Gardner High School (LGHS) after more than twenty years of employment. Randy truly enjoyed his positions with LGHS; he counseled students, diffused situations to help retain students in classrooms, and was a member of the Gang Identification Task Force for the Kansas Juvenile Corrections Complex. The last five years of his career at LGHS were spent as a paraprofessional in the English and Science departments. Randy was seemingly able to identify and resolve problems with a student before anyone else even knew there was an issue. His demeanor and presence allowed him to get the students to open up to him. He kept statistical data on student behavior and academic outcomes, assuring LGHS would keep its accreditation. A truly integral part of their school, Randy impacted all the students he interacted with and all of his fellow workers. Randy’s larger than life personality was filled with kindness. He enjoyed watching baseball, football, and basketball (RCJH), playing card games, listening to music, restoring his 1957 Bel Air, doing home renovation projects, savoring pork-chop chili, and enjoying quiet evenings on the couch with Dee. He often befriended strangers and would help anyone without an ask. Those who knew him best described him as an “angel,” “magical,” “amazing,” “the party,” “the best of the good people,” and so much more. Randy was welcomed into heaven by his father, Rueben, and his sister, Cindy. Randy is survived by his wife, Dee; his mother, Margaret; three sons, Jay (Karlena), Joshua (Luz), and Joseph (Shelby); his grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Henry, Cruz, Gavin, Maribella, Jordan, Eliana, and Audrey; siblings, Carla (Brad) Madison, Theresa (John) Chanay, and Rueben Dale (Michael) Perez; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. The rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM on Friday, November 18, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614. Randy’s family will then receive friends until 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 19, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Mater Dei Parish, 1114 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at The University of Kansas Health System to help fund research and education for identifying ILD early, or to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka to support local kids and families in need. Donations may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Randy Perez

January 29, 1957 - November 8, 2022