Aaron Charest

Aaron Michael Charest, 49, passed away Friday, January 21, 2022. Aaron was born in Topeka, KS on August 8, 1972, the son of Thomas and Connie (Weidenbaker) Charest. He was a Class of 1991 Hayden Catholic High School graduate, where he was more commonly known by his nickname “Beef” and then attended Washburn University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Gamma Nu Chapter. While at Washburn, Aaron met Ashley Marie Howard at a fraternity party (where else!). They were married at Faith Lutheran Church on June 12, 1999. At the time of his death, Aaron was employed by the City of Topeka in the Information Technology department. Prior to that, he worked at Payless ShoeSource HQ and Shawnee Wholesale Motors. Besides his family and friends, Aaron had two other passions in life: football and flying large and small scale model airplanes. Over the past several years he did not miss a Hayden football game, but primarily due to his daughter cheering at the games. He was a member of the NE Kansas Blue Sky Squadron (NEKSBSS) a local airplane flying club where he served as the safety inspector and contest director. Aaron is survived in death by his wife, Ashley; his daughters Ainsley and Alexandria; his father, Tom; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews. Aaron was preceded in death by his mother, Connie; his grandparents Alpha and Laura Charest and Charles Ray “CR” and Eduarda “Eddy” Weidenbaker; and his dogs Polo, Grady and Annabelle. The rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka, KS. The following day, Saturday, January 29, 2022, a Celebration of Life will take place at Noon on the Hayden Catholic High School football field. Celebration of Life festivities will include flying of Aaron’s model airplanes by fellow NEKSBSS members, and displaying of these airplanes under the same football stadium lights where he played. During the service, family and friends will be invited to share their favorite personal memories and stories of Aaron. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hayden Catholic High School football program and NE Kansas Blue Sky Squadron, sent to Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Aaron Charest

August 8, 1972 - January 21, 2022