Richard M. Gayhart

Richard M. Gayhart, 78, of Topeka, passed away, Saturday, June 17, 2006 at his home.

He was born March 12, 1928 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Walter and Mae Brain Gayhart. Richard was a graduate of Topeka High School. He received his Bachelors of Music Degree in 1950 and his Masters of Music Degree in 1956 from the University of Kansas. He did post graduate studies at the Pius X School of Liturgical Music in New York and the Christian Lutheran Church in The Hague in Holland.

Mr. Gayhart held teaching assignments at the College of Emporia, St. Benedict's College in Atchison and the University of Kansas, Lawrence. He also taught piano and organ privately.

He began his career as a church organist in 1946. In 1948 he became organist and choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Topeka, a position he held until 1994. He had served as a sales representative for the Moeller Organ Company.

Richard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the American Guild of Organists where he had served as Dean, a founding member of Topeka Festival Singers. He was also a member of Metropolitan Community Church and volunteered with TAPS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step father, Glen Allen, and his brother, James E. Gayhart. Survivors include cousins, Frank B. Taylor and his wife Marion, M. Christine and her husband George Hewitt, Brad Taylor and his wife Cynthia, and James W. Taylor; and a step-sister, Rita Brunton.

Memorial services will be held 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 25, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church. Private committal services will at Topeka Cemetery. Mr. Gayhart will lie in state from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Penwell-Gabel Parker Price Chapel, 245 N.W. Independence. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Organ and Piano Endowment, 817 SW Harrison, Topeka, KS 66612 To leave a message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.