J. "Ken" Kenneth McGarity

J. Kenneth “Ken” McGarity, 98, of Topeka, passed away on October 3, 2022, at his home.

He was born on September 22, 1924, at Meriden, Kansas the son of John E. and Ida (Wiesner) McGarity.

He grew up on the family farm, attended a one room grade school and graduated from Meriden High School in 1942.  Ken and his younger brother Bob operated the farm until 1946.  He attended Washburn University, received his Certified Public Accountant certificate, and practiced for 57 years.  Ken worked for the same firm originally Brelsford, Gifford and Hardesty CPA’s, with several later name changes, retiring from Berberick, Trahan & Co. in 2006.  He was a life member of both the American Institute of CPA’s and the Kansas Society of CPA’s.

Active in community affairs, Ken volunteered at Let’s Help, and for over 40 years at Hayden High School Pace.  He was one of the first five inductees into the Hayden Hall of Fame.  Ken was an active member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church serving on the Parish Council and the MPH of Mary Foundation Board.  He was a charter and life member of Knights of Columbus Council #4254, and a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Ken married Velma L. May on August 28, 1947, at Holy Name Catholic Church and raised five children.  The family took many camping trips to the mountains, and enjoyed camping and boating at local lakes.  He hunted and fished with his sons, grandsons, and brothers.  Velma and Ken traveled throughout the U.S., Hawaii, and Germany.

Velma preceded him in death on June 27, 2012, as did two sons, John McGarity on August 23, 1987 and Mark McGarity on August 7, 2007, his brothers Paul, Justin, and Robert McGarity and sister Rita Cashman.  Survivors include three daughters, Diane (John) Gorman of Upper Montclair, NJ, Shirley (Paul) Bernica of Topeka, Debra Mathews of Metaline Falls, WA, ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Ken will lie in state at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Monday, October 10^th, where a Parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. His family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. beginning with a sharing of family memories.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 11^th at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Let’s Help Inc., Knights of Columbus Council #4254, or Hayden High School and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.