Verno Shorthill

Robert Verno Shorthill, 80, of Topeka passed away July 2, at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. He was born June 2, 1925 in North Topeka, the son of Thomas Verno and Louisa Elizabeth Holliday Shorthill.

Verno graduated from Topeka High School in 1943. He served in World War II as a member of the 7th Armored Division, 3rd Army, under General Patton and participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the taking of the Bridge at Remagen. He was discharged as Master Sergeant. He attended the University of Kansas. For over 30 years he was a lithographer and later owned and operated Shorthill Insurance Agency.

Verno was a member of Seaman Congregational United Church of Christ, V.F.W. Philip Billard Post #1650, Indian Creek Grange, Kansas State Grange, National Grange, and the Printinghouse Craftsmen.

He married Ruth Esther Kimbal June 15, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas at Kansas Ave. United Methodist Church. She survives.

Other survivors include a son Allan Shorthill and his wife Deborah, Wichita; a daughter, Rachel Vukas and her husband Bob, Topeka; and a granddaughter Sarah Shorthill.

A funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2005 at Seaman Congregational United Church of Christ. Interment will be in Rochester Cemetery.

Mr. Shorthill will lie in state after 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel in North Topeka where the family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seaman Congregational United Church of Christ 2036 NW Taylor Topeka, Kansas 66608.

To leave a special message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.