Gene L. Sayler

Gene L. Sayler, 81, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at a Topeka care facility. He was born on September 21, 1925 in Topeka, the son of Milton and Ruby Wilson Sayler. Gene lived his entire life in Topeka. He graduated from Topeka High School and served in the Navy on the USS Casablanca in the South Pacific during World War II. He returned to Topeka after the war and worked in the dairy business for many years. In later years, Gene owned and operated an appliance business until he turned eighty. Gene married Nina Clemons on June 18, 1949 in Topeka. She preceded him in death in August of 1996. He married Margaret DeWitt in 1998. She preceded him in death in 2003. Survivors include daughters, Julie O'Dell and Marilyn Kaff, son-in-law, Charlie Kaff, three grandchildren, Delaney O'Dell, Brenna and Sam Kaff and two sisters, Evelyn Sayler and Mabel Ginder as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was a joyful man who loved life and enjoyed making others laugh. He never knew a stranger and was seldom without a joke or a story to share with family and friends. His family and friends will miss his warm smile and wit. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at First Southern Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Gene will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 S.W. Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604 or Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617.