John Paul Harrelson, Jr.

John Paul Harrelson Jr., 90, of Topeka, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026.

He was born June 25, 1936, in Shawneetown, Illinois, the son of John and Helen (Frances) Harrelson. John graduated from high school in Evansville, Indiana, and attended Evansville University, where he met Karen Jean Thomas. They were married in 1962. They were blessed with a son, Brad, and a daughter, Shawn. When this union ended, He and Mary Kay Butler united in marriage in 1990 and welcomed her son, Bill Marriot, and daughter Mindy Marriot to John’s family.

John’s spent most of his career in Association Management in the construction industry as an Executive Director for the Kansas and Illinois Associations of General Contractors. He was a member of the Masonic Order and proudly wore the “red ring”.

He enjoyed the outdoors and animals. In the horse world, cutting was his passion. He competed in statewide competitions and loved watching a good horse work during the 70’s and 80’s. Similarly, he enjoyed fishing and hunting of all types. He invested in lots of reels and shotguns. He loved working with his legendary line of English Elhew pointer bird dogs. Woodworking also kept his hands busy making birdhouses and cutting boards for friends and family. He was also an avid reader.

He is survived by his children, Brad (Cindy) Harrelson and Shawn Herrick; step children, William “Bill” Marriot and Mindy Marriot; grandchildren, Taylor (Jesse) Patterson, Rylee Harrelson, Jessica Herrick, Tara Herrick and Erin Herrick; his siblings, Frances Lee, Margaret Kay and Ernest (Bettye) Harrelson. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brother in-laws, Maurice and Johnny.

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