Leonard David Wonnell

Leonard D. Wonnell, 85, Silver Lake, passed away on March 12, 2025 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born July 31, 1939 in Silver Lake, Kansas, the son of David and Arabelle (Shenk) Wonnell

Leonard graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics on June 3, 1962. He was a member of the Sigma Pi Sigma Honorary Physics Society. On May 12, 2012, he was honored in the Washburn Anniversary Commencement Ceremony.

His first employment was a physicist at the Naval Ordinance Laboratory in Corona, California with a principle assignment of evaluating the Missile Control System of the Phantom II F4B Fighter in the firing of Sparrow and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Leonard’s next employment was with the Naval Avionics Facility in Indianapolis, Indiana as a physicist. His main work consisted of analog computer simulation of the Walleye Glide Bomb.

The majority of his career (27 years) was with the Bendix Corporation (now Honeywell) in Kansas City, Missouri, which was a production facility serving Nuclear Security and the Department of Defense. His most significant accomplishment was his work in the field of Optics which included design, construction and applications of specialized optical measurements, encompassing various types and power levels of lasers, various optical components, fiber optics, light emitting diodes, and incandescent lamps.

For the past twelve years, Leonard served as Trustee of Grove Township in Shawnee County, Kansas. His most significant achievement as such was being instrumental in the design and construction of an energy efficient community building called the Grove Hall Township Hall and Fire Station #63.

Leonard held his work on the family farm near and dear to his heart in his life. He found great joy in building things, woodworking, and hosting gatherings for family and friends alike. His children remember him for his surprises and elaborate scavenger hunts. He and his wife of 62 years, Wanda, could be found every Tuesday enjoying a lunch with a group of close friends, and Leonard often participated in the men’s coffee group at Silver Lake United Methodist Church on Wednesdays.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Wonnell, who he married on June 2, 1962, his children, Cynthia (Stephen) Snyder, Melinda (Steve) Buster, and David (Natalie) Wonnell, his 8 granddaughters Heather Snyder, Audrey Snyder, Jaycee (Curtis) Shoemaker, Katelyn Buster, Sydney Wonnell, Reagan Wonnell, Ellison Wonnell, and Madelyn Wonnell. As well as great-grandchildren Paisley Buster and Gavin Shoemaker.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Arabelle Wonnell.

A visitation for Leonard will take place at 1pm Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Silver Lake United Methodist Church 204 Madore St, Silver Lake, KS 66539. The Funeral service will follow at 2pm at the same location. Leonard's final resting place will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, where he will go after his service.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to TARC - 2701 SW Randolph Ave Topeka, Kansas 66611