John "Jack" Waugh

June 2, 1944 - August 13, 2021

John “Jack” M. Waugh, 77, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 13, 2021. Jack was born on June 2, 1944, in Beloit, KS to Ralph and Eva (Moxter) Waugh. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1962 and went on to college at Benedictine University. Jack enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1969 and returned to finish his Master’s Degree in Education at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. Jack was a passionate and dedicated educator who touched the lives of many. During his twenty-seven-year tenure as Principal for Shawnee Heights Unified School District, his love for the students was unparalleled. Jack went above and beyond to ensure that every student and family he encountered felt supported and cared for. He made quite a grand entrance to the school grounds each day as he rolled up on his beloved Harley Davidson. His love for Shawnee Heights lived on even after his departure in 1997. With a strong desire for adventure, Jack traveled to New Mexico and Colorado where he was a principal and educator until he returned to retire in Topeka. Jack was previously married to Mary Jo Waugh, and had three children from this union, Michael, Jenifer, and Erin. Jack was also fortunate enough to share a wonderful part of his life with Mary Freeman and her two daughters, Bethany and Drue. Jack is survived by his daughters, Jenifer Waugh (Dr. Ryan Merkow) of Winnetka, IL, Erin Waugh (Rodrigo Jurado) of Chicago, IL; daughter-in-law, Lisa Schmoller-Berndt of Algonquin, IL; and five grandchildren, Joseph Waugh of Malibu, CA, Jordan and Jameson Waugh of Algonquin, IL, Eva Merkow of Winnetka, IL, and Zoe Jurado of Chicago, IL; his sister, Teresa Perry (Bob); as well as two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eva, his brother, Bill, and son, Michael Patrick Waugh. The family expresses a very special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Healthcare Resort of Topeka for the love and compassion shown towards Jack as well as the countless staff members at the VA who have assisted with his care over the years. Additionally, his family sends a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated team at Ascend Hospice. The tremendous amount of loving care extended to our father means the world to us. Jack’s final wish was to continue to educate others even after he passed, therefore, he chose to donate his body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine for teaching and educational purposes. There will be a private Celebration of Life ceremony with family where, at Jack’s request, his ashes will be spread at Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence & Research. The foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals by strengthening our overall sense of community and fostering equal education opportunity and multicultural understanding. We thank you for your support! The Brown Foundation, 1817 Foxwood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162. T: 352-566-4920 www.brownvboard.org Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.