Joan A. Eakes

Joan Arta Eakes
Joan Arta Eakes, 78, Topeka, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at her home. She was born June 30, 1934, in Topeka, the daughter of Charles D. and Gladys F. (Cravens) McKnaught, Sr.
Joan graduated from Topeka High School in 1952. She worked on the election board for many years. She enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casinos.
She was married to Casper Ralph Eakes, Jr. on July 3, 1952, in Topeka. He preceded her in death on March 21, 2012. She was also preceded in death by a son, Terry Eakes, on June 10, 1978; and siblings: Phyllis Elaine Frickey, Shirley Mae Wingerson, and Charles D. McKnaught, Jr.
Surviving are her children: Tammy Crites (Marc) of Holton, Gary Eakes of Topeka, and Candy Bayless of Topeka; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka. Cremation will follow services with private interment of cremains in Topeka Cemetery. Joan will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Wednesday, at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th Street, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614.