Bruce Vandyke

Bruce E. "Beetle" VanDyke, 58, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2007 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born on February 6, 1949 in Rural Valley, Penn., the son of Warren C. and Marguerite C. Dowdy VanDyke. He lived most of his life in Topeka. He was an Army veteran and was a member of the Kansas Air National Guard Reserve. Beetle was employed by Allis Chalmers and later became a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years before retiring. Beetle married Deborah L. Haybarker on September 21, 1974 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Nicole E. VanDyke and Jacquelyn S. VanDyke both of Topeka, four grandchildren, Andrew, Aryonna, Geivonnii and Kobi, his mother, Marguerite C. "Peggy" VanDyke Brown of Topeka, two brothers, Joseph S. VanDyke and Michael C. VanDyke and wife, Donna all of Topeka and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Cremation will follow and private inurnment will take place at a later date. Beetle will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice Care, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.