John Willett

John passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2009 in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004 and fought a courageous fight against the disease for five years. John’s faith in God was very strong. He was and will continue to be a source of inspiration to his family and many friends. John was born December 12, 1942 in Junction City, Kansas, the son of Quentin and Margaret Willett. He graduated from St. Xavier’s High School in 1960 and married Connie Meis, they later divorced. John graduated from Ft. Hays State University. John owned and operated Automated Business Systems in Topeka for 24 years. John married Jeanette Evans in 2004. John was active in his community as a member and past president of the Southwest Optimist Club. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and later became a charter member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. John is survived by his wife Jeanette: his daughters, Kimberlee Burghart (Steve) TN, Gina Coffman (Dave) Topeka, Heather King (David) Derby and Michele Banks (Scott) Wichita; and stepsons, Randy (Michelle) Topeka and Rick Evans (Tracie) Olathe. John was the adored grandad of 19 grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Pete (Judy) and Kelly Willett, Topeka; sisters, Peggy Parr (Bill) CA, Elaine Bryan (Ed) and Beth Feldman (Dick) Topeka. He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Phillip, and his granddaughter, Marissa. John will be remembered for his laughter, his positive attitude and sense of optimism, his encouragement of others and willingness to lend a hand. John never met a stranger; if he met you, you were a friend. He loved listening to jazz and worked to bring new musicians to the area. He also loved drag racing and hunting. His green and yellow “John Deere” Nova will be missed at the Heartland Park racetrack. John will lie in state at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, today, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m. followed by a Parish Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church or St. Francis Cancer Center and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

John Willett

December 12, 1942 - September 28, 2009