Elario "Pete" "Blanco" Gomez, Jr.

Elario “Pete” “Blanco” Gomez, Jr., age 88, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital.

He was born the son of Hilario and Lucia (Ramirez) Gomez on May 19, 1935, in Topeka, KS. Pete attended schools in Topeka and was a 1954 graduate from Topeka High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War as a Crew Chief Jet Mechanic. During his time in the service, Pete began playing softball and baseball. It was at that time, his talents on the ball field really shined and he even tried out with the Minnesota Twins.

He married Beverly Ann Hagadorn in Duluth, MN. They had two sons, Scott and Steven, while in Minnesota. The family moved back to Topeka in early 1960 and the family grew to four. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Pete and Beverly had a close relationship and supported every sport and family function. His love of fastpitch softball grew and Pete became a well-known name locally and throughout the Midwest. He was very proud to have his softball jersey on display at the National Mexican American Hall of Fame. As his sons became more involved in sports, he took great pride in being able to coach all his sons’ teams. This included football, flag football and basketball. His teams won the City League tournament multiple times and Pete won, “Man of the Year Award” with the Optimist Club. Coaching and spending time with his family brought the greatest joy to him. As the family grew older, Pete excelled and loved to play golf. In his downtime, he would attend many local sports games, including Hayden High School games and games played at Hummer Sports Park.

Pete was employed for over 30 years and retired from the Santa Fe Railroad. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Survivors include his four sons, Anthony “Scott” Gomez and his wife Dolores, Steven Gregory Gomez, Mark Allen Gomez and his wife Brenda, and Christopher John Gomez and his wife Danielle. Other survivors include his five grandchildren, Michael, Brian, John, Cole, and Hunter; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Augustine “Blackie” Gomez.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Jenny Rodriguez and Vickie Arredondo; three brothers, John “Chastie” Gomez, Ray “Shorty” Gomez and Refugio “Cookie” Gomez.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by a parish rosary at 11:00 A.M., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M., at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.