Walter J. Wywadis

Walter J. Wywadis (65), Topeka, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 26th at a Topeka hospital, surrounded by family.

Walt was born in November 1957, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to Jerome and Emma (Yoder) Wywadis. Walt grew up loving the outdoors, hunting and fishing at every opportunity. He was a natural athlete and came to Kansas on a football scholarship to Kansas State University in 1975. In 1979 he married the love of his life, Reva Jo Williams. He joined the Topeka Police Department in 1981 and enjoyed a 32-year career in law enforcement, holding a variety of positions throughout the department including serving in patrol, the K-9 Unit, the Criminal Investigations Unit, and retiring as Deputy Chief of Police with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He received many awards and accolades over the years including the Medal of Merit. He was proud of his career, but nothing was more important to Walt than his family. He coached girls softball for many years, and continued to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He fiercely defended his beloved K-State Wildcat Football team over the years, no matter what their record. Walt loved to keep busy and always had some sort of project going either at home or for one of his kids. He was a Christ-follower, leaning on his faith to guide him through the challenges of life and grateful for all who influenced his spiritual growth over the years. Walt also volunteered numerous hours over the years for Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Emma Wywadis, and niece Kaitlin M. Heather. Walt is survived by his wife, Reva Jo (Williams); daughters Rebecca J. (Michael) Hummer, Stephanie M. (Ryan) Miller, Laura E. (Jonathan) Pederzani, all of the Topeka area; three wonderful grandchildren that he adored: Reo Miller, Brooklyn Hummer, and Bristol Hummer; brother Jerry (Teri) Wywadis, Star Tannery, VA; sister Cynthia (Rich) Birster, Mt. Carmel, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will greet friends at a visitation service on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 30, 2023 at 10am at Fellowship Bible Church, 10th & Urish Road in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to youth ministries at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615.

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