Nathan Topek

Nathan Harold Topek, M.D. passed away on Monday morning, February 5, 2018 at home in Georgetown, Texas. A native Houstonian, Nathan was born in St Joseph’s Hospital on October 29, 1926. He grew up on Chenevert and Tuam and attended San Jacinto High School. In 1948 Nathan graduated with a BA from Rice University and an MD from Baylor College of Medicine. Nathan was an Air Force surgeon during the Korean War at Headquarters for Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska.  He met the love of his life, Cynthia Hawkesford Churton in 1956. They were married in Chicago on Bastille Day in 1957.Throughout his career he practiced gynecology, specializing in surgery. He was an assistant professor of gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, founded Women’s Clinic of Houston, one of the earliest pap-smear clinics in the United States, and taught gynecological surgery at the Houston Veterans Administration Hospital. He chaired the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation for which he has contributed several decades of dedicated service.Nathan is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Cynthia Topek, his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Topek and Mindy Vanderford, grandchildren Jael and Althea Topek and a loving community of extended family and friends.Nathan is fondly remembered for his humorous nature, handlebar mustache, and commitment to charitable causes.A Graveside Service will take place Friday, February 16, 2018 at 1:30 in the afternoon, in Glenwood Cemetery, 2525 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007. Rabbi Walter will officiate.Memorial donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA.