John A. Dill

John Arthur Dill, 99, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2014.

He was born on May 13, 1915 the son of Arthur L. and Isabel (Edgar) Dill at their farm home near Sterling, KS.

He married Lois Graham on December 18, 1939 in Sterling; she preceded him in death on February 27, 2005.

For many years, John farmed and operated a dairy with his father near Sterling. He graduated from Sterling College and later went on to earn a Master's degree from the Kansas State Teachers College (now ESU) in Emporia.

He taught elementary students in Sterling, Lyons, Berryton, and was a principal of Maple Hill Elementary School until his retirement. Prior to moving to Topeka, he acted as an official for several high school and college sports in and around the central Kansas area.

John was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church in Topeka, TARSP, and several other professional organizations. After his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering, gardening, and the time he spent with his family.

John is survived by one daughter, Barbara (Merton) DeBoer of Emporia; brother, Edgar (Donna) Dill of Colorado Springs, CO; two grandchildren, Leanna (Ryan) Schmidt of Olpe, KS and Britt (Sarah) DeBoer of Powell, WY; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold W. Dill.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30 at Central Presbyterian Church, 920 SW Huntoon St., Topeka. Prior to the memorial service, burial will take place at West Lawn Memorial Gardens, Topeka.

John will lie in state after 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 29 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka where the family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sterling College, 125 W Cooper Ave, Sterling, KS 67579 or to Central Presbyterian Church, 920 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604.