William Kenneth Verna

William Kenneth "Sonny" Verna, 86, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2014 at his home.

He was born February 8, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Alexander and Isabelle (Curley) Verna. He served in The United States Marine Corps from February of 1946 to November 1947 and then served in the United States Army from April of 1950 until retiring as Sergeant First Class in April of 1969. During his military career he served in China, three tours in Germany and during the Korean Conflict.

Sonny was also employed by Santa Fe Railroad until retiring in 1986.

He was a Lifetime Member of the VFW, and a member of the Santa Fe Retirees.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kay Simons whom he married on September 23, 1977 in Topeka. He is also survived by three daughters, Isabelle (Daniel) Hosey, Topeka, Katharina (Keith) Constance, Fredericksburg, VA and Jacky Verna, Vancouver, WA; three grandchildren, Nicole Constance, Melissa Constance and Savannah Kerber; four step-children, Lori Miller, Kathy Bell, Elizabeth McMurray and Kevin Trimble, all of Topeka and numerous step-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Klaus, Ada, OK; and two nieces, Connie (Adrian) Foil and Patty (Doug) Laramore. He was preceded in death by two step children, Terri Smith and Cindy Finan.

Sonny enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking and was an exceptional carpenter.

The funeral ceremony will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. Interment with military honors by Ft. Riley Funeral Detail will follow at the Osage City Cemetery. Sonny will lie in state after 3 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

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