Joseph Lee Brightup

Joseph Lee Brightup, 80, of Topeka, KS passed away on September 14, 2026.

He was born on August 21, 1946 to Robert and Arlene Brightup in Liberal, KS. He grew up on the family farm in rural Seward County. He graduated from Hugoton High School in 1964. After moving to Topeka, he worked at Stormont-Vail hospital as the printing press operator. He met his future wife Jean Koch while employed there. He and Jean were married on Thanksgiving Day, November, 23, 1967 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dawson, NE. They had three children, Teresa, Michael and Christopher. They added a "bonus" daughter, MyKol in 2011.

Joe always used his hands- whether it was working at his job as a master machinist, in his garage on a "project," playing his guitar, doing leather work, word search puzzles, or just talking- those hands were busy, never quiet.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Arlene Brightup, sister Margaret Brightup, brother Leroy & wife Eva Brightup, brothers-in-law Robert & wife Judy Koch, and Joseph Heim, sisters-in-law Carol Koch and Sharon Koch.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jean, of Topeka, his children Teresa Brown of Great Falls, MT, Michael Brightup of Arlington, TX, Christopher Brightup of Topeka, KS, and MyKol Barksdale of Topeka, KS. He is also survived by his grandchildren Teryn Brown of Great Falls, MT, Garrett Brown of Great Falls, MT, Baylee Brightup of Bynum, TX, Brittany (Rory) McKinzie of IA, Alex (Jerrod) Cameron of ID, Zack Cameron of GA, Mairi'Kol Barksdale of Topeka, KS, My'Auna Barksdale of Topeka, KS, and Lepoleon Redmond of Topeka, KS.

A memorial service will take place at 10:30 am Monday September 23, 2026 at Topeka First Church of the Nazarene, 1001 SW Buchanan St.

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