TOPEKA — Dr. Loren Dale Tompkins, formerly of Vassar, died Monday, July 12, 2021, at his home in Topeka. He was 82.
He was born Aug. 30, 1938, in Salina, to Jesse Benton and Martha Belle (Lake) Tompkins.
Loren married Rebecca “Becky” Lane July 11, 1958, in Miami, Okla. She died July 31, 1998.
He earned three education degrees from the University of Kansas (1963, 1967 and 1983) and spent his career in public education. He taught and served as vice principal of Northern Hills Junior High in the Seaman district, Topeka, from 1963 to 1976. He served as principal of Lyndon High School from 1976 to 1981. After earning his doctorate from KU in 1983, he moved to The Teachers College at Emporia State University, where he retired as a professor in 2003.
Loren is survived by two daughters, Tina Langley (Carl), Berryton, and Gwen Larson (Greg), Americus; four grandchildren, Kate Redenbaugh (Matt), Gardner, Alex Larson (Brittnie), Hutchinson, and Luke Larson and Aaron Larson, both of Emporia; and three great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to all the staff and caregivers at Legend at Capital Ridge and Interim Healthcare and Hospice.
Cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held later.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
