John Gregory "Greg" Mathena

John Gregory “Greg” Mathena, 64, of Topeka, died Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Centennial, Colorado at the home of his daughter.  He was born in Arkansas City, Kansas on December 28, 1951 the son of John B. and Mildred C. “Midge” (Woolsey) Mathena Jr.  He graduated from Salina High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan University.  Greg did his graduate studies at Kansas State University in biomechanical kinesiology.  He received his Master Funeral Director’s License and practiced in the funeral profession for over 35 years.  After college he worked as a recruiter for Brown Mackey College.  Greg was a funeral director and manager of Chapel Funeral Home in Salina from 1974 to 1977.  He worked as the Assistant to the President of Kansas Wesleyan University from 1977 to 1980.  On December 28, 1980 he became the managing partner of the Brennan’s of Topeka Funeral Home.  In 1994 Greg and Donna bought out their partners and renamed the funeral home to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  He retired from funeral service in 2007.  Shortly afterwards he purchased Hilmer’s Leather and Luggage and closed the business in 2010.  He had been active in state Republican Party activities, had been a precinct committeeman, an advisor to former Governor Bill Graves and treasurer of the Stovall-Glasscok Gubernatorial Campaign.  Greg was known to support in thought, word and deed many moderate candidates for public office.  He attended the 2000 and 2004 Republican National Conventions as a guest and an alternate delegate.  He was a member of the Kansas Funeral Director’s Association, National Funeral Director’s Association, Knights of Columbus Council #534, James W. Gibbons Assembly of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and a past member of the Finance Council at Holy Name Parish.  Greg enjoyed politics and was an avid reader of history and biographies.  He was involved in Republican Party Politics on many levels.  Until his final days he continued to be current on events and politics around the world.  He was an animal lover and could never leave a stray animal without a home.  Greg married Donna Knight in Salina, Kansas on July 12, 1980.  They later divorced.  He is survived by their daughter, Johnna Michelle Mathena of Centennial, Colorado.  Greg will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and a Parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Divine Mercy Hospice of Denver, Helping Hands Humane Society, or the CAT Association and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.  Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.