Jack DeBacker

John D. Jack DeBacker, 80, of Topeka passed away on January 27, 2012 in Topeka. He was born September 1, 1931 in Topeka, the son of John B. and Johanna (Moritz) DeBacker. Jack attended Lyman Grade School and graduated from Seaman High School in 1949, where he served as class president. He served on the Seaman High School Board of Education. Jack was a member and past president of the Sunrise Optimist Club. He attended Washburn University, Kansas State University, and then graduated from Kansas University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served on the board of directors of the North Plaza Bank and UMB Bank. He was president of DeBacker's Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors. Jack has been involved with the heating, air conditioning, and sheet metal business for over 63 years since starting the company with his uncle in 1949. Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1954 during the Korean War, he was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 400, and a member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #534. Jack married Flora Kisner DeBacker February 23, 1957 in Topeka. Jack and Flora have three children; Greg DeBacker of Topeka, Samantha Skorija of Overland Park, Kansas, and Steven DeBacker of Prairie Village, Kansas. He is also survived by a brother Dennis DeBacker of Sacramento, California, 7 grandchildren; Christopher, Danny, A.J., Kelsey, Alex, Ellen, and Margaret and 1 great-grandchild Addisyn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at Mother Teresa Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Rochester Cemetery. Jack will lie in state at Davidson Funeral Home Monday from noon until 4:00 P.M. A prayer rosary will then be held at Mother Teresa Catholic Church on Monday at 6 P.M. with visitation to follow immediately. Memorial contributions can be left to Seaman Alumni Association Scholarship Fund or Sunrise Optimist Club. To leave a message for the family please visit www.davidsonfuneral.com. John D. DeBacker