Robert W. Domme

Robert W. Domme, 83, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2009 from complications of an auto accident.  All his family was at his side. 

Bob was born June 6, 1925 in Topeka, Kansas the youngest of nine children born to Lawrence and Elizabeth (Gibler) Domme.  He was the last survivor.

He attended Sacred Heart Primary School and graduated from Hayden High School.

Robert joined the Navy in 1942 and served for two and a half years.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree, Bachelor of Law degree and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.  Robert opened a law practice in Topeka in 1949.  He served in the Kansas State Legislature from 1954 to 1957 for the 34th District, served in the Shawnee County Commission, and was a State Democratic Campaign Manager during the George Docking Sr. Campaign for the Governorship of Kansas.  He also did extensive campaigning during John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Campaign.  In 1961 President John F. Kennedy appointed Robert to the position of Topeka Postmaster where he served until his retirement.

One of his many accomplishments was his dedication to the replacement and rebuilding of the Sardou Bridge after the 1951 flood.  In his retirement years he developed Blue Mound Estate on Lake Perry.  He later retired in Harrison, Arkansas where he continued his real estate endeavors until his recent return to Topeka, Kansas.

Bob was married to Esther Marie Wagner for 26 years.  She died on August 1, 2008.  He is survived by their four children:  Portia Shopteese (Frank) of Mayetta, Carol Ann Norton (James) of Woodland, Utah, Robert C. Domme (Patty) of Topeka, Ks. and William F. Domme (Sue) of Topeka, Ks.  Bob was also blessed with ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.  Bob and Esther were very strong people who left their family with a tremendous legacy.

Bob will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment with military honors conducted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will follow in Mt.Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care Inc. and sent in care of Brenan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 West Sixth Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.