Robert L. "Bob" Gerant

Robert L. “Bob” Gerant, 93, of Topeka, KS died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the House at Midland Care.

He was born July 29, 1924 in Fleming, KS the son of Joseph and Anna (Palcher) Gerant.

Bob was a 1941 graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Pittsburg, KS. During WW II he served in US Navy Amphibious Forces-Pacific Fleet. Following the war he earned a degree in Industrial Education from Pittsburg State University graduating in 1950. He worked for Ordinance Plant in Parsons prior to becoming an Administrative Assistant for Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka. He retired in 1985 after 34 years of employment.

Bob was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church where he served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #13012. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church (Topeka) Nocturnal Adoration Society and in 1960 was the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Newton.   He also was a member of the Santa Fe Old Timers.

Bob married Kathleen Potocnik at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Scammon, KS on January 8, 1949. They celebrated 69 years of marriage. She survives. Other survivors include four children, Robert (Stephanie) Gerant, Patricia (Al) Meyers all of Topeka, Constance Meyer of Lawrence, and Mary (Penny Steelman) Gerant of Omaha. Six grandchildren, Katie (David Hawkins) Gerant, Rose (Adam) Cantrell, Joe (Kim) Gerant, Jacquie Gerant, Darren (Anita) Meyers, Ron (Kim) Meyers, five great-grandchildren, Steven, Jocelyn, Augustine, Daryl (Stephanie), Rochelle, three great-great-grandchildren, Brody, Jordy, Olivia along with special nephews and nieces also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings and a son-in-law, Larry Meyer.

Bob will forever be missed by his loving family and friends who will surely raise a glass to him with good cheer and in honor of a life well lived.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 A.M. with a Parish Rosary being prayed at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church or Midland Care Hospice, sent in care Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.