John V. Clennan

John Vincent Clennan, 87, Topeka, Kansas, received his wish to be reunited with his beloved wife, Shirley, in the place prepared by His Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 18, 2017. John was born July 17, 1929, in Abilene, Kansas, the son of Vincent and Marie Kelley Clennan. He was a graduate of Chapman High School and Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas. John served our country in the US Army in the Korean War, receiving the Purple Heart. He met the love of his life, Shirley Paxton, while delivering milk to her parents’ home. They were married April 8, 1953, enjoying more than 59 years together. John was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council from the age of 18, most recently with Council #4254, and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. John was an independent insurance agent and financial advisor for more than 40 years. One of his great joys was volunteering at Stormont-Vail Hospital. John loved dearly his family, his faith and his friends. His physical absence leaves a tremendous void in this world. Help to fill it by following his example, love generously and help others. Grateful to have shared his life are his children, Marla Kentch (Keith), Melea Huston (Pete), Michele Mainey (Ed), Martin Clennan (Molly) and Mark Clennan (Jennifer); 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joe, Larry, Jim (Lou), Leo (Doris) Clennan, Kate Davidson, Beth Clennan and Joyce Snodgrass (Bill). John was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, children, Melanie Clennan Warren and Michael Clennan and four siblings. Celebrating John’s life, family will greet friends from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly will officiate a Chalice Ceremony at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church or to Stormont-Vail Hospital for volunteer services.

John V. Clennan

July 17, 1929 - May 18, 2017