Cover photo for Edward William Navone's Obituary
1937 Edward 2024

Edward William Navone

October 5, 1937 — September 30, 2024

Edward William Navone, age 86, of Topeka, passed away in Topeka, Kansas on September 30, 2024.

He was born in Richmond, California, on October 5, 1937, the son of Julio and Helen Gianelli Navone. Ed received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Jose State University in 1959 and a Master of Arts Degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1962.

He was instructor of art at Eastern Washington State College from 1962 to 1963, and Professor of Art at Washburn University from 1964 until his retirement in 2007. He also served as Assistant Director of the Mulvane Art Center from 1964 to 1979, a period in which several major works were acquired for the permanent collection.

During his tenure as Professor, Ed organized and led many student trips to Italy to study art, architecture, and the culture. Throughout his time at Washburn he was an active and prolific artist creating drawings, paintings, murals, and mixed media works using varied styles and techniques.

He received an artist fellowship award from the Mid-America Artists’ Alliance / National Endowment for his series inspired by Dante’s “Inferno.” His work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and public buildings throughout the world.

He had two sisters, Sister Peter Joseph (Joan) Navone and Carol Navone. Both predeceased him.

He is survived by his cousin, Robert Vola, Sparks, Nevada, and longtime friend, Rosemary Menninger.

He was cared for in recent years by his caregiver, Linda Martinez and her family.

A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 9:30am, and a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Thursday, October 10, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mulvane Art Museum and the Washburn University Art Department, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.

To share a fond memory of Ed, or leave condolences for the family, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edward William Navone, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Rosary

Thursday, October 10, 2024

9:30 - 10:00 am (Central time)

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church

3601 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604

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Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, October 10, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church

3601 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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