Inocencio "Ivan" Sapata

Inocencio “Ivan” Sapata, 94, of Topeka died Saturday, April 28th, 2018 at his home.

He was born December 28, 1923 in McFarland, KS the son of Roberto and Ramona (Munoz) Zapata

Inocencio enlisted in the United States Air Corp serving during WW II.  After spending several years out of the military he re-enlisted serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. During his service he was a Radio Operator serving with the Martin B-26 Marauder, the 320th Bomb Group, 442nd Bomb Squadron, 12th Air Force which saw service in Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, France and Germany.  He was awarded 6 major campaign stars and the Good Conduct Medal.   

He was employed by the AT & SF Railroad for 40 years before he retired.   Inocencio was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

While stationed in North Carolina he married Tomasa Martin on March 15, 1944, they celebrated 72 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on October 3, 2016. He is survived by his children, Carol Ann (Mark) Handshy, Sally Sapata, Joseph (Thelma) Sapata, Cindy (Kevin) Boland, Debbie (Dennis) DeForest and Lisa (Darrin) Fanning all of Topeka.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Maria Zapata, brother, Ignacio Zapata, two granddaughters, Molly, Jessica and a great-granddaughter, Gabrielle.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3rd at St. Matthew Catholic Church where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 4th at the Church.  Interment with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Midland Care Hospice, Special Olympics Topeka Jr. Blues or St. Matthew Catholic Church sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603.