Doris Brenner

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Doris Bernice Brenner, 104, of Parsons, died at 9:04 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Presbyterian Manor.

She was born on July 30, 1915, at Neodesha, to James M. and Frances M. (Peed) Peterson. She moved with her family to Independence and attended Independence schools, graduating from Independence High School in 1932. In 1934 she graduated from Independence Community College, where she was treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa, scholastic honorary society. She also attended Pittsburg State University. She taught three years in Montgomery County rural schools, teaching all eight grades in one classroom.

She married Donald A. Brenner, a pharmacist, on February 7, 1937. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1995. She lived in southeast Kansas all of her life, including Pittsburg, where her children were born, before moving to Parsons in 1950. She actively managed the family businesses, Brenner Drugs at 18th and Main and then Brenner Prescriptions at 1519 Main. She also was a substitute teacher in Parsons schools. After retirement they collected and sold antiques, participating in antique shows. A high point was, at a Tulsa show, selling a lamp to one of the Bee Gees, who were performing there.

She was a member of the Disciples of Christ denomination since she was eight years old and of First Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Mendota Club, a girl scout leader, assistant to the cub scout leader, and a volunteer for her children’s activities, especially as a driver for junior high school drum corps trips. In her later years, she enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Cash Cab, and sports, especially University of Kansas basketball and NASCAR racing, and was an avid reader.

Doris is survived by two children, James Brenner and his wife Judy, Palatine, IL and Janice Brenner (Ray Coffey) Denver, CO; two grandsons, Frank Brenner of Palatine, IL and John Brenner and his wife Jackie, of Palatine, IL; one great-grandson, Bradley Brenner of Palatine, IL; four nephews, Kenneth Couch, Norvelle Couch, Dale Couch and Richard Couch; friends, including residents and staff of Presbyterian Manor and her special friend who helped her in many ways, Barbara Mosier. 

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Couch and infant Dorotha May Peterson and a nephew, Dr. Fred Pike.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 25, in the chapel of the Presbyterian Manor with visitation from 1 p.m., to the service time. Private burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may also call at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church, 1500 S. 29th St., Parsons, KS 67357 or the Parsons Presbyterian Manor Employee Scholarship Fund, 3501 Dirr Ave, Parsons, KS 67357. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left online at www.wallfuneralservices.com.