Felix J. Lara

Felix Joe Lara, 64, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2010 at his home.

He was born July 31, 1945 in Topeka the son of Lidio Felix and Tiajuana (Weaver) Lara.

Felix was employed by Topeka Public Schools for sixteen years before he retired in 2005.  He previously was employed by Whelan’s as a truck driver.  After his retirement he worked two years at Washburn University.

He enjoyed metal detecting, basket weaving and selling crafts at the Farmer’s Market.  He was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma where he was a member of the Choctaw Nation Artist Registry in Basket Weaving.

Felix was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

He was married to Rose Mary Ramirez on August 26, 1965 in Lawrence.  She survives.

Other survivors include, four daughters, Barbara Neese (Todd) of Des Moines, IA, Debra Weatherford (Ed) of Osage City, Anne Gomez (Adrian) of Topeka and Jennifer Lara of Topeka, six grandchildren, James, Zachery, Katelyn, Graciela, Isabelle, Elianna and Sam, one brother Manuel Lara (Christy) of Oklahoma City, OK and two sisters, Mary Guffy of Anchorage, AK and Monica Lara of Topeka.  His beloved pet Jack also survives.

Felix will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Haskell Health Center in Lawrence or the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in Durant, OK and sent in care of the funeral home, 800 SW 6th Ave., 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com