John L. Hankamer

John L. Hankamer, 84, Topeka, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Brewster Place.

John was born April 29, 1929 in Elmont, the son of A.J. and Hazel (Jackson) Hankamer. He attended Topeka schools.

He was the owner of Hankamer Asphalt Company, Hankamer Ready-Mix Company and Midwest Fly Ash Company.

He was a member of First Congregational Church, Association General Contractors, Topeka Home Builders, Kansas Asphalt Association, Kansas Ready-Mix Association, Golden Rule Lodge #90 A.F.&A.M., Arab Shrine of Topeka, Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, Topeka Court #125 Royal Order of Jesters, Cosmopolitan Club, and Topeka Country Club. He also served as President of the Kansas Asphalt Pavers Association.

John married Joyce V, Ecord on April 8, 1949 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on February 9, 2006. Survivors include son, David Hankamer and wife, Pattie, Olathe; daughters, Susan Papps, Topeka, Sally Wright and husband, Greg, Topeka; six grandchildren; Matt Hankamer, Olathe, Molly Duran and husband Stephen, Honolulu, HI, Haley Miller and husband Brian, Tampa, FL, Casey Wright, Austin, TX, Callie Wright and Cole Wright, Topeka, seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Vivian Jackson and husband, Albert, Topeka. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Norma Frankenberger; and grandson, Mark Hankamer.
John loved life and found great joy working in the construction business, boating, fishing, golfing and enjoyed being with his family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. John will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30th, and visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Topeka Rescue Mission.