Thomas E. Barlett

Thomas E. Barlett, 69, Topeka, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2010 at a local hospital. Tom was born April 29, 1941 in El Dorado, KS, the son of Andrew and Georgia Ray Barlett. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1959 and was honored to serve as Master of Ceremonies at his 50th class reunion last year. Tom attended El Dorado Junior College before joining the Navy in 1963, where he served on the U.S.S. Canberra in the Vietnam War. He later served in the Navy reserves until his retirement in 2001. Tom married the love of his life, Janie S. Bean, on April 7, 1963 in El Dorado, KS.  He worked in the petroleum industry in the El Dorado and Topeka areas before transitioning to a career in the pool and spa industry, owning and operating Majic Pools until his death. A member of Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene, in recent years Tom enjoyed traveling with Janie, riding his motorcycle around the lake with Dandy, his faithful Yorkie, and spending time with his son and grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Brad A. Barlett; and his brother, Charles Barlett.  He is survived by his wife, Janie; son, Thomas E. Barlett, Jr. and his wife Kara, Gardner, KS; daughter-in-law, Carla J. Barlett, Fort Worth, TX; five grandchildren, Amy, Michaela, Isaac, William, and Janie Marie; sisters Martha Lou Wells and her husband Fred, Tomball, TX and Carolyn Sue Ross and her husband Jim, Charleston, SC; sister-in-law, Joan Barlett, Emporia, TX; and numerous dear friends.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene with military honors provided by the US Navy and Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW.  Cremation will follow the service. Tom will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Ted Ensley Garden, P.O. Box 5601, Topeka, KS 66605.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.