Guadalupe "Lupe" J. Escalante, Sr.

Guadalupe “Lupe” J. Escalante, Sr., age 82, of Silver Lake, KS, passed away on Tuesday evening, April 1, 2025, at the Midland Hospice House.

Lupe was born the son of Joseph R. and Amparo (Gonzalez) Escalante on February 25, 1943, in Topeka, KS.

On February 13, 1961, Lupe married his beloved sweetheart, Mary L. Ortega at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage. Mary passed away on November 5, 2022.

Lupe worked in various positions with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Manufacturing and after 37 years of employment. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Throughout his life, Lupe loved watching sports as well as refereeing various sports especially when his children were growing up. Every year he would tend to his big garden, growing tomatoes, different vegetables and many varieties of flowers. He loved to be outdoors whether fishing, hunting or spending time on the lake. During his leisure time, Lupe would watch his old Westerns on TV and cheer on his Kansas City Chiefs and KU Jayhawks.

Lupe will be remembered for his outgoing, upbeat personality. He brought smiles and laughter to every family gathering. His family and friends will cherish all the good times, memories and teachings he extended to his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Juanita Bradley (Ivan); three sons, Lupe Joe Escalante, Jr., (Melissa); Michael A. Griggy-Escalante (Mark), and Patrick Escalante (Veronique); 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his brother, Alex Escalante; and two sisters, Virginia Patrick and Beatrice Merino.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary L. Escalante; brother, Henry Escalante; and sister, Stella Escalante.

Lupe will lie in state from 4-8:00 P.M., with a rosary being prayed at 6:00 P.M., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., on Wednesday, April 9, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Lupe's 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.