Topeka ? Kenneth C. Bronson, a prominent figure in Kansas journalism for nearly six decades, has died at the age of 77.

Bronson died Monday in Topeka of natural causes, according to Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

The Morning Sun newspaper of Pittsburg, Kan., reports that his journalism career began as a sports writer in the early 1950s. He became publisher of the Pittsburg newspaper in 1966, and installed the first small newsroom computer system west of the Mississippi River there.

Bronson moved to Topeka in 1977 to oversee newspapers as vice president for Stauffer Publications.

He also served as president of the Kansas Press Association and the Inland Press Association.

His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church in Topeka.