Charles Clayton Hejtmanek

Charles Clayton Hejtmanek, 92, died June 27, 2009 at the Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

He was born February 25, 1917, at Delia, Kansas, the son of Charley M and Dulcia E. Hejtmanek. He attended school in Delia through high school, and later graduated from Central Business College in Kansas City, Missouri.

During World War II he was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Administrative Corps. in Abilene, Texas, serving as a Training Officer. He was later transferred to Camp Butner, North Carolina, where he served as a Battalion Commander at the Army's 4th Convalescent Center.
He was very proud of the letters of commendation he received from the U.S. Surgeon General while serving at this position.

He married Eleanor V. Peterson of Frederick, South Dakota, on September 24, 1944. She survives.

He was employed by Farmland Industries in North Kansas City, Missouri, prior to his military service and after the war, he assumed the duties of Plant Manager of the Consumers Co-Op soybean mill in Coffeyville, Kansas, for 9 years. In October, 1954, he became Plant Manager for Archer Daniels Midland at their alfalfa processing plant in Topeka, Kansas. He was in that position for eight years.

He became a Representative for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S. on June 1, 1962 and worked until his retirement December 31, 1998. During that time, he helped many clients and made many life-long friends.

He was a 50 year Member, Elder and Deacon of the Central Presbyterian Church in Topeka. He was a Life Member of the American Legion, Capitol Post #1 and a member of both the Topeka and National Associations of Life Underwriters.

In addition to his wife Eleanor, other survivors include two daughters, Vicki L. Fordyce of Sugar Land, Texas and Kathy A. (Chris) Stiles, of Overland Park, Kansas and one son, Stephen S. (Judith) Hejtmanek of Topeka. Additionally, there are two grandchildren, two step-grandsons, two Great Granddaughters and five Great Grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Kenneth, Donald and Robert Hejtmanek.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will be at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Clayton will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. A visitation with the family is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery with a Military Honors ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at the Topeka Presbyterian Manor, 4712 S.W. 6th, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or to the Central Presbyterian Church at 920 S.W. Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas 66604.