James A. Laing

Topeka – Memorial services for James A. Laing, 89, Topeka, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church in Topeka. Private inurnment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.Mr. Laing died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at a Topeka hospital.He was born June 22, 1917, in Wayne County, Iowa, the son of John and Osa Dunn Laing. He graduated from high school in Lawrence in 1935.Mr. Laing served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He served in the European Theater as a soldier in the 95th division. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He worked as a passenger agent with Santa Fe Railway and Amtrak and retired in 1982. He was a member of First Christian Church since 1953.He married Lenora Zook in May 1946. She preceded him in death.Survivors include three sons, John Laing, Kalispell, Mont., Clinton Laing, Lawrence, and Thomas Laing, Topeka; a daughter, Catherine Burgess, LeCenter, Minn.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.The family suggests memorials to the church, 1880 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka 66604.Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel in Topeka is in charge of arrangements.Online condolences may be sent at www.penwellgabel.com.