Laurel Corinne King, 74 of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Laurel was born July 7, 1950, in Concordia, Kan., the daughter of Raymond and Merridy Bailey King. She graduated from Concordia High School. Laurel earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Wichita State University, her first master’s degree in music performance (flute) from Kansas State University and her second master’s degree in school counseling from Emporia State University. Laurel was a lifelong learner, never passing up an opportunity to learn something new. She started her career in the St. Marys Schools as the band teacher and retired from Royal Valley Middle School after over 30 years as a school counselor. She was a former Moose member and current member of the Kansas National Education Association. Laurel volunteered at the Stormont Vail Heart Center. She was an avid reader and loved her coffee. Laurel built a porch onto her home so she would have a special place to enjoy coffee and read.
Laurel loved being Grammie to her “amazing red-headed grandchild,” Sawyer. He was everything to her and she spent every day this summer making long-lasting memories with him.
Laurel is survived by her daughters, Erin Robinson (Keith) and Jessica Brunken (Mathew Mullen); grandson, Sawyer Robinson; significant other of 24 years, Greg Hughes; brother, Galen King (Irene); cousins, Brian Vazquez (Teresa Klaumann) and Sheldon Vazquez (Beth); and best friend, Vickie Wold. She was preceded in death by her parents, and aunts, Burney Mendelhall (Elborn) and Eleanor Watson (Don).
Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kan. 66614. Funeral service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024, at the funeral home. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stormont Vail Heart Center and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com
