George Tompkins

George W. Tompkins, 80, Topeka, died Sunday, December 1, 2002 at a Lawrence hospital.

Mr. Tompkins retired in 1987 from the Kansas Department of Transportation as a highway maintenance supervisor after 38 years of service.

He was born June 14, 1922, in Melvern, KS the son of Caius Elmer and Mary Ella (Watkins) Tompkins. He graduated from Melvern High School in 1940.

Mr. Tompkins was a member of the Topeka Evening Sertoma Club, Melvern Masonic Lodge #22, Topeka York Rite Bodies, the Arab Temple, and Lodge #555 Loyal Order of the Moose. He was also a member of First Congregational Church. Mr. Tompkins was recognized as Sertoman of the Year in 2001.

With his love of baseball, he was active for many years as coach of the Topeka Aces.

He married Bette L. Settle on June 29, 1952 in Topeka, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include:
one son, Robert C. Tompkins Cheyenne, Wyoming
one daughter, Sheri K. Olson St. Louis, MO
one sister, Helen Padicord Lyndon, KS
and five grandchidlren.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2002 at First Congregational Church. Entombment will follow at Mt. Hope Mausoleum. Mr. Tompkins will lie in state after 12:00 noon Tuesday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be given to Sertoma Hearing Aide Recycling Program, c/o Dan Hejtmanek, P.O. Box 797, Topeka, KS 66601, or to, Shriner's Childrens Hospitals, 1305 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612 or to First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, Kansas 66604.