William Vawter, Sr.

William Louis Vawter, Sr. 78, Meriden, passed away on Tues., March 18, 2008 at his residence.

"Bill" was born on April 6, 1929 in Meriden, KS, the son of Alfred Zane and Ethel (Barney) Vawter.

He was a 1948 graduate of Auburn High School, Auburn, KS.

Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.

He moved back to his home place in the Meriden area in 1961.

Bill married Agonia Koci. They later divorced. They had two children, Ron (Anita) Vawter of Topeka and Marvin Vawter, Fort Worth, TX.

Bill later married Emma Lou Carpenter in 1955. They had three children, William L. Vawter, Jr. Derby, KS; Shirley Vawter; Milledgeville, GA and Sherrie Lynne (John) Leiker, Topeka, KS; nine grandchildren and one great grandson.

He worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for 5 years and retired from the 7-Up Bottling Plant in Topeka after 33 years of service. He delivered the Topeka Capital newspaper in the Meriden area for 10 years.

Bill served as a charter member and past president of the Topeka SunRise Optimist Club for 19 years. He was a Cub Master and Leader of the Meriden Cub Scouts for 4 years and served on the Meriden Fairview Election Board for over 15 years. He was a charter and life member of the VFW Post 10815 and served as Chaplain, Meriden, KS. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge No. 555 of Topeka, KS since 1967. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 400, Topeka, KS since 1974.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2008 at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 400. Mr. Vawter will lie in state after 3:00 p.m., Thurs. where family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The casket will remain closed.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.