(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison teacher, and an active member of the Atchison community, has died.

Paul Komarek died Wednesday at Amberwell Atchison. He was 76-years-old.

According to his obituary from Atchison's Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Komarek was a teacher for 33-years, with the majority of that time spent with Atchison's USD 409's fifth grade through middle school, where he coached basketball and football.

Following his retirement as an educator, Komarek became a familiar face, and voice, at events across Atchison, annually potraying Santa Claus while helping to deliver Christmas gifts with the Atchison Police Department. For the past 17-years, Komarek's voice could be heard announcing Atchison's Saint Patrick's Day Parade, as well as the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Parade.

Among Komarek's survivors is his wife of 54-years, Annette.

A memorial service for Komarek is planned for Tuesday morning, at 11:30, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home.