Elmer R. Essman, Jr.

Elmer R. Essman, Jr., 64, of Berryton, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2006 at a Topeka hospital ER. He was born on March 14, 1942 in Topeka, the son of Elmer and Etta Ryles Essman, Sr. He was a life long Topeka area resident. He graduated from Perry High School in 1960 and attended Washburn University. He was a member of Grace Community Church, the Classic Chevy Car Club and the Kansas Old Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers. Elmer loved to play the guitar and was learning to play the steel guitar. He also loved gardening, cruising and playing with his pets. Elmer was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Elmer married Betty J. Orr on June 7, 1963 in Perry. She survives. Other survivors include one son, Tony Essman and wife, Beth of Lee's Summit, MO, one daughter, Amy Natalie and husband, Kevin of Topeka, four grandsons, four step-grandchildren, his mother, Etta Landis of Topeka, one brother, Jack Essman of Topeka and one sister, Anita Pekarek of Topeka. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in the Grantville Cemetery. Elmer will lie in state after Noon Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening. Memorial contibutions may be given to the Washburn University Music Department, 1700 S.W. College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621, Stormont-Vail NICU, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or the MOKAN Boxer Rescue Program, P.O. Box 8151, Topeka, KS 66608.