Walter Armstrong

Walter "Leon" Armstrong, 89, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at St. Francis Health Center.

He was born April 1, 1918 in Mound City, Missouri, to William and Minnie (Ruth) Armstrong and moved to Topeka at age three. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1936 and attended Strickler's Business College.

Leon worked at Poehler Mercantile and Sunflower Ordinance Works before beginning his career with the State Highway Commission in 1945. He worked as a draftsman until 1964 when, after attending classes at Washburn University, University of Kansas and Kansas State University, and passing the Kansas Professional Engineering exam, he worked as a civil engineer until 1983. After retirement, he continued to do consulting work for the Kansas Department of Transportation until 1988.

He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Kansas Engineering Society, Topeka Engineers Club, and Moose Lodge #555. During his life he enjoyed participating in roller dancing, archery, sailing, and ballroom dancing.

He married Muriel Marlow on February 7, 1942. She survives. Other survivors include daughters, Gail Olson, Topeka and Denise Benteman and husband, Randal, Cottonwood Falls; 4 grandchildren, Lindsay Olson, Lauren Olson, Dustin Benteman and wife, Susie, and Michele Martin and husband, Mathew; and a great-granddaughter, all of Topeka. He was preceded in death by his sister, Pauline McKinley, and brother-in-law, Glenn McKinley.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Leon will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. today and visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com