Edward Rangel

Edward A. Rangel, 93, Topeka, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 24, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Edward was employed by Morrell’s Packing Company as a meat cutter during the 1940’s; he later worked for the AT & SF railroad from 1951 until he retired in 1980.  He also drove a bus part time.

He was born October 13, 1914 in Monterrey, Nuevo, Leon, Mexico the son of Tiburcio G. and Eulogia Araiza Rangel.  Ed came to the United States in 1916 and was a naturalized citizen.  He loved his flower gardens especially caring for his roses.  He also was an avid follower of all sports.

Edward was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #2608 transferring to the Nate Morales Chapter #11777 of the Knights of Columbus Council when it was formed, James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the American GI Forum which was founded by the Rangel brothers.  He was a volunteer and benefactor to the church and had been a volunteer for Mexican Fiesta since the 1940’s.

He was married to Carmen Balandran on December 29, 1934.  She preceded him in death September 27, 1979.  On October 25, 1980 he married Maria Moreno in Topeka.  She preceded him in death December 6, 1986.  He married Juana “Jane” Martinez on October 13, 1991 in Topeka.  She survives.  He also was preceded in death by a son Richard Rangel in 1943, three brothers, Juan and Jose who died during WW II and Fidel Rangel on October 1, 2007.

Survivors beside his wife include: five sons; Edward J. Rangel and wife Ann of Delray, FL, Robert J. Rangel and wife Marcella of Grantville, James D. Rangel of Lexington, NC, John M. Rangel and wife Alice of Topeka and Thomas G. Rangel and wife Connie of Topeka; three brothers, Ray Rangel and late wife Ruby, Felipe Rangel and wife Mary all of Topeka and Tiburcio “Butch” Rangel, Jr. and wife Jackie of Stanwood, MI, two sisters, Aurora “Vita” Jaramillo and husband Guadalupe and Carmen “Chita” Perez and husband Rudy all of Topeka.  Sixteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Mr. Rangel will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Monday at the church where the Knights of Columbus will lead a rosary joined with the Legion of Mary and Altar Society at 5:30 p.m.  A Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony will follow the rosary.  A parish rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or Midland Hospice Care Inc. and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th, 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.