Floyd Ginder

Floyd Fredrick Ginder, 85, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, May 8 at Midland Hospice House.

Floyd was born October 25, 1919 at Belvue, KS, the son of Robert Rial and Jessie Luttig Ginder.

Floyd attended schools at Belvue and Wamego, KS. After moving to Berryton in 1935, he graduated from Berryton High School in 1937. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College located in Columbia MO in 1975. Floyd enlisted in the 60th Field Artillery Brigade of the Kansas National Guard, September 6th, 1940 and entered Federal service December 23, 1940, was commisioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1942 and assigned to the 821st Tank Destroyer Division at Fort Carson, CO as a Platoon commander. Floyd was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division in the European Theatre of Operations and attained the rank of Captain and commanded Company "B" of the 821st tank Destroyer Battalion, participating in four campaigns and being awarded the Silver Star.

Floyd was discharged from the Army in January 1946 and rejoined the Kansas National Guard.

Floyd joined the Topeka Police Department in 1947. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and after serving the Topeka community for 33 years, retired as Assistant Chief of Police.

Floyd was recalled to active duty in 1968 with the 69th Infantry Brigade and served a tour of duty in Vietnam, serving in three campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star. He retired from the National Guard in 1973 with the rank of Colonel.

Floyd was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church where he served faithfully. Other organizations that Floyd was a member and participated in include: Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF&AM,Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, Arab Shrine, life member of Capital Post # 1 of the American Legion and Philip Billard Post # 1650 of the VFW, The Retired Officers Association, City Retiree's Association, American Association of Retired Persons, Past President of the 35th Division Association, Kansas Peace Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 3, and the Saw Dusters Association.

Floyd had a passion for woodworking and spread his talents to many.



Floyd married his High School sweetheart Irene Flohrschutz at the Post Chapel at Fort Carson, Colorado on September 4, 1942. She survives. Other survivors include their two children and their spouses: Janet and Jerry Myers, Colorado Springs, CO., Rob and Liz Ginder, Topeka: and six grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Tim Faulkner, Colorado Springs, CO., Stacy Smith, Colorado Springs, CO., Jessica, Anna, Madeline and Emma Ginder of Topeka, David and Samantha Faulkner. Colorado Springs, CO. and a sister in law, Donna Phippen of Marysville, CA.

Mr. Ginder will lie in state after 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 10 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm that evening. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, May 11 at Lowman United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to Lowman United Methodist Church or Midland Hospice House.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.penwellgabel.com.