Dr. Cecil Kohake

Dr. Cecil Bernard Kohake, 72, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, surrounded by family and love. Dr. Kohake was born on March 14, 1950, in Seneca, Kansas. He attended Most Pure Heart of Mary School and Hayden High School, where he was quarterback of the football team and cast as lead in the school musical his senior year. He graduated from Washburn University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and was voted “anchor man” by the Delta Gamma Alumni Association. Following undergrad, he earned his Doctor of Optometry at the Southern California School of Optometry, where he graduated cum laude. While there, he was co-director of a student-run organization called Project Concern that held free community vision screenings throughout Orange County. After school, Dr. Kohake moved back to Topeka and joined the optometry practice of Drs. Reynolds and Reynolds in 1977. He had a long, fulfilling career as an optometrist in Topeka serving the community for 33 years. Dr. Kohake was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and was a charter member of the Contact Lens Sports Vision sections of the American Optometric Association. He was on the advisory board for Wesley-Jessen and CIBA Vision contact lens companies, and was a member of the American Optometric Association, Kansas Optometric Association and Kansas Optometric Foundation. His alma mater, Southern California School of Optometry, created the Dr. Cecil B. Kohake Endowed Scholarship for Clinical Science to honor his accomplishments. Giving back to his community and helping those in need was important to Dr. Kohake. He was active with many local charities including Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Topeka Lions Club, Catholic Charities and Remote Area Medical, where he traveled the country donating eye care to the underserved. He also developed a program to screen the vision of student-athletes at Washburn University, as well as with the Special Olympics of Kansas. Dr. Kohake leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Nancy; their two daughters, Hayley and Lexy (Rhodes); and his two grandchildren, Cooper and Quinn. He is survived by his mother, Bernice; his sister, Nancy (Tom); his brother, George; as well as 11 nieces and nephews whom he adored tremendously. We take peace knowing he is now reunited with his father, Cyril, sister, Beverly, and nephew, Drew. Dr. Kohake loved his family more than anything. He took great pride in his profession and enjoyed learning, growing and helping others. He appreciated the arts and was an expert piano player and photographer. He liked experiencing new countries and cultures and traveled the world with his wife, Nancy, after retirement. He enjoyed playing and watching sports, was an avid golfer, and always looked forward to cheering on the KU, KSU and Washburn athletic teams with friends and family. Dr. Kohake brought endless love and compassion to everyone around him. We miss him dearly and always will. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. All are invited to attend. Memorial contributions are suggested to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church or the Kansas Optometric Association, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Dr. Cecil Kohake

March 14, 1950 - January 25, 2023