David H. Niven

David H. Niven, age 73, went to his rest on May 29, 2026.

He was born March 15, 1953, in Topeka, KS. He lived most of his life there, but spent 10 years as a youth in Pueblo, CO. The family returned to Topeka in 1965 and he attended Roosevelt Jr. High. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1971.

He married Cynthia and they welcomed two sons, Jeremiah “Jeremy” David and then Matthew Grant. He married Janette in 1997, in Colville, WA. His stepsons are Keith, Robert, and Gary Lake.

He is survived by his wife Janette, son Jeremy (Sheri), step granddaughter and 2 grandsons. His son Matt and 2 grandsons. Keith (Kelli) Lake, granddaughter and grandson. Robert (Molly) Lake, granddaughter and 2 grandsons, and Gary Lake.

He is also survived by a sister, Sandie James, and brother Dan (Kimberly) Niven. He has numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Grant & Liz (Shrimplin) Niven.

He retired at the age of 60, from Burlington Northern Santa Fe after 37 years of employment. He loved Dale Earnhardt and raced stock cars at Topeka Raceway and Junction City Plaza Speedway for several years. He was rookie of the year in 1987. He loved Chevys and Pink Floyd. He hated Fords and dogs. He owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle. He could build or fix anything and loved tinkering in his garage and scrapping out cars. Alzheimer’s stole him from his family years before now.

Visitation will be held from 10-11:00 A.M., on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 A.M., at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions can be made in David's memory to the Alzheimer's Association . 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.