Lee D. Kirwan

Lee D. Kirwan, 83, of Topeka, died April 22, 2011, at St. Francis Hospital.

Lee was born in Topeka, Kansas on July 22, 1927, the son of William and Melissa Rose (Lee) Kirwan. 

Lee served in the Merchant Marine during World War II.  He retired after many years as a Conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad.

He served on the Board of Directors for Topeka Foundry and Iron Works.  Lee was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Philip Billard Post #1650, The Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the Railroad Retirement Old Timers.

Lee and his wife, enjoyed traveling worldwide with family members, and especially loved their travels to Ireland.

He married Frances Elaine Hulse on October 11, 1947.  She survives of the home.  He is also survived by two daughters, Kathleen Bayless of St. Louis, MO and Denise Bandy of Topeka, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and a brother, Michael Kirwan of Topeka.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Lee Donald Kirwan Jr., in 2008 and by a granddaughter, Kara Bayless, in 2010.

Mr. Kirwan will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday morning from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m where the family will receive friends.  A service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the V.F.W.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society 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.