Claude A. Gillum

Claude "Doodles" A. Gillum, 81, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

He was born March 18, 1944, in Valley Falls, Kansas, the son of Charles Frank and Mary Margaret (Hollis) Gillum.

He received a High School Diploma from Valley Falls High School, Valley, Falls, KS.

He served in the National Guard and was activated in to the U.S. Army in June 1968.

Claude worked as a painter his entire career retiring in 2006.

He married Mary K. Gallaway October 16, 1965. She survives at the home. Other survivors include his children, Dean (Debbie) Gillum, Michael (Patty Beaver) Gillum, Mary Christina (Tommy Roberts) Todd and Shannon Gillum; five grandchildren, Dalton (Aislynn) and Dayton Gillum, Adraine (Brandon), Traci and Charles (Heidi) Todd; three great grandchildren, Aryanna Grier, Daysen Todd and Stetson Todd, brother in law George Gallaway and special grandson, Terrance Riley. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Claude was a man of many friends and never knew a stranger.

Cremation is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:45 am, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the American Legion Post #400, 3029 US 24 Hwy, Topeka, KS 66618. Interment of the cremated remains will be in Rochester Cemetery at a later date.

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