Donald R. Lasnier

Donald Robert Lasnier, 90, of Topeka, passed away peacefully Friday June 26, 2015, with his beloved wife Teresa at his side. Don was born November 28th, 1924, in Concordia, Kansas to Alfred Joseph Lasnier and Mary Marguerite Spellman Lasnier. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Mary Louise Lyons. Don is survived by Teresa, his bride of 60 years; his daughter Anne Martinez (Richard), his sons, Charles, Chris (Marcia), Joe (Denise) and Mark; eight grandchildren, Anthony, Lauri and Grace Martinez, Lisa Martinez Sterling (Nathan), Matthew, Michael, Thomas, and Sarah Lasnier, and one great-grandson, Noah Sterling. Don attended Concordia schools, was high school class president, played football, was a lifeguard, worked at a drugstore soda fountain, and at his family's store the Bon Marché. He attended Creighton University, proudly served the U.S. Army in England and France in WWII, and returned to complete his degree at Kansas State University with a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Don and Teresa married November 12, 1955 in Manhattan Kansas. Don was the Assistant Chief Chemist for the Kansas Department of Transportation Research and Materials Lab. Don was a den leader for his sons' packs. During retirement, Don volunteered for the Topeka Literacy Council and many church ministries at Most Pure Heart of Mary, especially enjoying singing in the choirs. Don cherished time with his wife and family, leaving a loving legacy of kindness to others and demonstrating that one can indeed make the world a better place. He will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 4th at 11:00 A.M. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or the Marian Clinic and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.