Jack Gene Counts, 79, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born February 3, 1937 in Topeka, the son of Elyas M. "Jake" and Amey B. (Conner) Counts and was a life-long Topeka resident.

Jack attended Topeka Public Schools. He owned and operated Counts Roofing & Guttering and later owned and operated Mamma’s Cafe in Topeka. He was a member of the Meriden Lodge No. 236 AF&AM which later consolidated into Perry Lodge No. 415 AF&AM. He was a member of the Roofers Union Local No. 20 and the Moose Club.

Jack married Mary Ann Mayfield on May 7, 1956. They later divorced. He then married Marlene D. Peterson on May 7, 1965 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on December 22, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Jesse D. Boyer, four brothers, Christopher “Chris” Counts, Robert “Bob” Counts, Art Counts and Earl Counts and two twin siblings at birth.

Survivors include his children, Frances A. “Franny” “Tina” (Carl) Deters, Jack G. (Sharon) Mayfield, Constance S. “Connie” (Steve) Bickford and Barbara G. (Tom - Deceased) Murray, his long-time companion, Shirley Young, eleven grandchildren, Jimmy (Trish) Frye, Raymond “R.J.” (Sarah) Frye, Brad (Sarah) Boyer, Amanda Headlee, Andrea Cobuluis, Jeremy Mayfield, Diana (LaMont) Neal, Elizabeth (Daniel Eich) Pruett, John Miller, Schmicka Murray, Tracy (John) Lewis, twenty-seven great-grandchildren with one on the way, one great-great granddaughter and his siblings, Della Halloran, Betty Franklin-Self and Charlotte Kealy.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Entombment will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery where Masonic Services will be provided by Perry Lodge No. 415 AF&AM.

Jack will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604.

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