Thomas C. Escalante Jr.

Thomas C. "Tom" Escalante Jr., 66, of Topeka, died May 3, 2013 at Stormont Vail Hospital. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 28, 1947 the son of Thomas C. and Seraphina (Columbus) Escalante Sr. Tom served in the U.S. Army. He attended Washburn University where he studied Business Administration. Tom was the Sales Director for Topeka Club House Inn and Suites. He was formerly a partner in the Kozy Kitchen. Tom was a member of the Corvette Club and enjoyed showing his car at car shows. He loved to do yard work and was known for his immaculate lawn and landscaping. He played tennis and was an avid KU Jayhawk fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Thomas married Alice Lemuz at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on April 24, 1971. They recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. She survives. Mr. Escalante is also survived by his children, Lynda (James) Wolf of Shawnee, Ks., Jason C. (Stacie) Escalante of Overland Park, Ks., and Matthew A. (Janelle) Escalante of Eudora, Ks., two brothers, Robert A. (Brenda) Escalante and Daniel J. Escalante all of Topeka, two sisters, Jennifer D. Bardsley of Topeka, and Jacqueline S. (Guy) Gardner of Berryton and four grandchildren, McKenna, Amber, Dominic and Sophie. He will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m followed by a Parish Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church or Valley Hope of Atchison, 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.