Bonnie B. Byington

Bonnie Belle Byington, 83, died Saturday, February 11th at the Brewster Place Health Center, Topeka. She was born January 3, 1923 on a farm near Elk City, Kansas, to M. C. (Clell) Simmons and Agnes Speirs Simmons. She was preceded in death by one sister, Irma Jane Freeman, and by two brothers, Willis Simmons and William Simmons. She graduated from the Kansas State School for the Blind in 1943. She received a Bachelor's in Journalism from Kansas State University in 1946, and completed work toward a Master's in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1947. She worked as a Social Worker for the North Carolina Department for the Blind through 1949. She then returned to Kansas, and worked for a short time as a reporter for the Independence News, Independence, Kansas. She was then hired as a reporter for the Wichita Eagle, where she was employed until 1954. She married Jack W. Byington on September 20, 1953. He preceded her in death. The couple had one son, Michael Byington, Topeka, who survives. Mrs. Byington continued to live in Wichita through 1986. She then moved to Topeka to be closer to her son and his wife, Ann. In Wichita, she was also employed as a reporter for the Derby Reporter, the Haysville News, the Labor Union Press, and Taco Tico. She was a sales representative for Field Enterprises, Inc., and from 1977 through 1982, she was Director of Give-A-Lift, a program of the Wichita Interfaith Ministries. From 1982 through 1985, she was co-owner of B & P. Vending. She retired in 1985. Mrs. Byington was a member of First United Methodist Church, Topeka, and was a past Vice President of the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and a recipient of that organization's Extra Step Award. Memorial services will be held at the Brewster Place Chapel, 1205 S. W. 29th, lower level, Topeka at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15th. Mrs. Byington has bequeathed her remains to the University of Kansas Medical Center for research and anatomical studies. Upon conclusion of such studies, she will be interred beside her husband at Wichita Park Cemetery. Grave side services will be held at time of interment in Wichita and will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 603 S. W. Topeka Blvd, Suite 303, Topeka, Kansas 66603.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.