Bruce C. Perney

Bruce Carlton Perney of Topeka, KS passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 from complications due to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Bruce was born the middle of three boys on July 1, 1950 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka Where he spent most of his life except for 15 years with his family in Paxico, KS.

Bruce graduated in 1968 from Topeka High School and 1977 from Washburn University with a degree in Music Education. Bruce was a Vocal Major and met his wife, Claudia, who was an Instrumental Major while in the Music Department at Washburn. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia and Alpha Delta Fraternity while in school and has continued attending events through the years with the AD’s here in Topeka. Later while laid off from Goodyear, Bruce returned to Washburn and completed his BA degree in Computer Science with an emphasis in Computer Programming. Bruce was baptized and then married Claudia at First Presbyterian Church in Topeka on June 11, 1977, and they share two children, Gwendolyn Perney and Carl Perney both of Topeka.

Bruce held several positions in his almost 50 years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka with most of his career in the Maintenance Division as a Mechanic. Even though he enjoyed computers, his passion was always hands-on work and fixing things. He enjoyed tinkering with computers, fixing anything, yard work, Pai Gow poker, sudoku puzzles and trips to the Perney Homestead in Wyoming and especially sharing those trips with friends.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1977 and enjoyed worshipping, singing in the choir, and serving on many church committees including the Property Committee and spent many quiet hours on his own fixing things in and outside the building.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Perney. He leaves behind his wife, Claudia; their children, Gwendolyn and Carl; his brothers, Jan and Mark Perney; nieces; nephews and many treasured friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612. His family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church or to Interim Hospice.

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