Deaths and funerals

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 6, 2004 by Capital-Journal

Gilbert Gordon Gaines

Gilbert Gordon Gaines, 88, died peacefully at Aldersgate Village in Topeka Sunday, July 4, 2004.

He was born April 4, 1916, in Clarksville, Texas, the son of Gilbert G. and Ethel Pope Gaines.

He is survived by his sister, Katharine Gaines, Middletown, N.Y.

Gaines studied piano and voice with Myrtle Dunn Short at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. She mentored him as a student of voice at Juliard School of Music and Columbia University, New York City, where he received his Master of Arts. During his years in New York from 1938 to 1954, he performed in Broadway productions of "Lady in the Dark" with Gertrude Lawrence, original cast of "Paint Your Wagon," "Copacabana Review" with Rose Marie and Nanette Fabray, "Spring in Brazil" with Milton Berlle and "Winged Victory" while serving in the Army during World War II. Other venues while in New York City included the Roxie Theater, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church and Number One Fifth Avenue.

He came to Washburn University to teach voice and other music classes in 1954, where he attained the position of Professor of Voice. He retired from full-time teaching in 1981 and was designated Professor Emeritus.

He continued teching 19 more years until his full retirement from Washburn in May 2004.

Gaines was cantor at Temple Beth Shalom for 25 years and soloist for the First Church of Christ Scientist for 23 years. He sang with the Topeka Symphony and was renowned as a concert and oratorio baritone soloist. He was a member for 50 years of First United Methodist Church in Topeka.

Professor Gaines produced many hundreds of singers, who teach and perform throughout the world. All will attest to his unique ability to build and sculpt a singing voice. Each student was the recipient of his unwavering encouragement, support and lighthearted wit.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Mr. Gaines will lie in state from noon to 9 p.m. today at Penwell-Gabel Midtown Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the music department at First United Methodist Church or to the music department at Washburn University and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.penwellgabel.com.

Richard A. Hoch

Richard A. Hoch, 64, Topeka, died at his home Monday, July 5, 2004. Services are pending. Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cheryl Lynn Mattox-Robinson

Cheryl Lynn Mattox-Robinson, 49, former Topeka resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2004, in St. Louis to join our heavenly Father after a courageous battle with cancer.

Cheryl was born Nov. 14, 1955, in Mattoon, Ill., to Charles L. and Patricia J. Mattox.

She attended Holliday Junior High School and Highland Park High School.

She was married to Clarence Eugean Robinson on Oct. 14, 1972, in Topeka. He survives of the home.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles L. Mattox; her mother, Patricia J. Mattox.

Other suriviors include one son, Clarence Eugean Robinson Jr.; one sister, Janet and her husband, Bob Martin, Topeka; three brothers, Charles Jr., Topeka, Alan and his wife, Wanda Mattox, Tecumseh, and John and his wife, Debbie Mattox, Topeka; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bowser-Johnson Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Julie McGovern

Julie McGovern, 42, died Monday, July 5, 2004, at home with her family around her. Services are pending at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home.

Thomas Dean Singleton

Thomas Dean Singleton, 40, Topeka, died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

Tom was born on July 22, 1963, the son of James and Carol Miller Singleton. He graduated fromTopeka High School with the class of 1981. He was employed by Dillon Grocery since 1980. On April 28, 1989, Tom and Dana Springer Townsend were married in Topeka. She survives. Tom and his wife are members of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka.

Other survivors include his children, Sean and Maren Townsend, Matthew and Nicole Townsend, Ryan and Hollee Townsend, all of Topeka, and Michelle Singleton, Trevor Singleton, Molly Singleton and Mallory Singleton, all of the home; his parents, James and Carol Singleton, Topeka; siblings, Brenda and Gary Cox, Parkville, Mo., Mark Singleton, Topeka, Randy and Pam Singleton, Raymore, Mo.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kim Zerbe, Darren and Janet Blakesley, Rodney and Nancy Springer; four grandsons and three granddaughters; 10 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Wilson Ronald Springer in November 2003; and brother-in-law, Joseph Blakesley in January 1995.

Tom touched many lives throughout his short life. His upbeat manner, bright and infectious smile, ornery wit, kind and gentle spirit and loving attitude toward all he met made a difference each day to those around him. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, whose favorite pastimes were to be at home with his family or engaged in extended family activities. His deep love for the Lord was evident in the way he carried out his life and his eventual death. He never faltered or waved in his trust of the Lord, even amidst the difficult challenges he endured during his 15 month battle with cancer, always keeping his eyes focused on eternal life and the promise of being with his family again one day in heaven. His deep faith was an inspiration and a blessing to his family, his friends, his coworkers and his church family. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.