Roy Lyman Bulkley

Roy Lyman Bulkley, 85, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. He was born on a farm near Auburn, Kansas, the son of Roy L. and Laura C. Nelson Bulkley. Roy attended the Topeka public schools, was graduated from Topeka High School in 1939 and received his A.B. degree from Baker University in 1943. While still at Baker, he enlisted in the Navy in January of 1942 and commissioned the following September. He served as navigator and engineer with Task Force 58 of the South Pacific fleet in the Ellia, Gilbert, Marshall and Ryukep Island campaigns surviving the sinking of mine sweeper YMS - 109 in April, 1945 and was discharged as a Lieutenant in May, 1946. That fall, he entered Washburn University Law School, received his LLB Degree in February, 1949 and was admitted to the Kansas Bar and began private practice of law. In 1950, he was elected judge of the Court of Topeka and served two terms. He was one of the youngest men to serve in the office at that time. In November of 1954, he was elected Shawnee County Attorney and served one term. He was regional council for the Small Business Administration until retirement. Roy was an active member of Greeters and Legion Honor, Fortnightly Club, served as Past President of the Native Sons & Daughters of Kansas, present President of the Senior Council of Topeka, Military Order of World War II, Kiwanis International, the Topeka Retired Officers Association, First Congregational Church, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, SPEBSQSA and Delta Tau Delta. He received recognition for 50 years of the practice of law in Kansas. Roy married Betty Lou Compton on October 22, 1949 at Central Congregation Church. She survives along with their son, Timothy Howard Bulkley, M.D., five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one brother, W.L. "Woody" Bulkley of Topeka. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Congregational Church. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Roy will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Brewster Place Foundation, 1205 S.W. 29th St., Topeka, KS 66611, First Congregational Church, 1701 S.W. Collins, Topeka, KS 66604, Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Arab Temple, 1305 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612 or the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608.