In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joe” Ham.
Joseph Ham, a man of unyielding spirit and endless love for his family, peacefully passed away surrounded by family, on December 3rd, 2023 at the age of 94. Born in Topeka on December 2nd 1929, Joe’s life became a masterpiece of resilience, adventure, and love.
As a young man, Joe followed the family trade and began his career working at the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. For over four decades, Joe was a dedicated employee of the Santa Fe Railway. Joe was also a proud service member of the Kansas National Guard.
In his retirement, Joe enjoyed flying, traveling abroad, performing in several bands such as Topeka Big Band, Santa Fe Band, Fairlawn Road Swing Band and Topeka Polka Band, reading westerns and spending time with his cats. Most of all, he enjoyed devoting time to his family. Joe was happily married to the love of his life Marilyn Ham (1932-2018) for over 68 years. Together they raised three children and enjoyed time with their four grandchildren in their Potwin house for over 50 years. Over the years, Joe was an active member of Lowman United Methodist, Potwin Presbyterian, First Congregational and recently First Presbyterian Church. Joe’s calm presence and quick humor was a steady constant to his family that will live on in the stories, jokes, and memories he left behind.
Joe is survived by his two sons, Nathan Ham and John Ham, both of Topeka; a daughter, Jennifer Ham of Topeka and four grandchildren, Kathryn, Madison, Tanner, Daxton and his loving cat Ziggy.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Friday, March 15th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. Family and friends will gather not to mourn the loss of a loved one, but to honor the legacy of a man who lived with authenticity, kindness, and happiness for the simple pleasures in life. Together we will share a slice of gooseberry pie and remember how “it’s nice to be loved”. Private inurnment will be at the Lynn Creek Cemetery later. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Cat Association of Topeka and left in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com
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