Wendell W. Redding

Wendell Wayne Redding departed this life and entered into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, December 26th at the age of 94.

Wendell was born September 16, 1916 on a farm near Madison, Kansas in Greenwood County, the son of Charles Edgar Redding and Leona Reynolds Redding.

Wendell attended Greenwood elementary schools and graduated from Madison High School. He attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia and was a member of the track team. While attending, he was an outstanding trade student.

Wendell served his country during World War II as a medic in the Army Medical Corp from 1942-1945 and was stationed in England, France and Germany.

He married Lucy Ellen Thornton on April 12, 1943 in Seattle, Washington. They were married sixty-two years until her death in February of 2006. Wendell was a loving and devoted husband and friend. Lucy Ellen was the love of his life.

Wendell was employed for 28 years at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas until his retirement in 1973. He served as an operating room technician in the surgery department, then later in respiratory therapy.

Wendell and Lucy moved from Pomona, Kansas to Aldersgate Village in 1987. Aldersgate Village was their home. Wendell loved music and enjoyed feeding the wild life. He enjoyed woodworking and constructed several clocks while working in the wood shop at Aldersgate. Wendell was a member of Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church in Topeka. He also attended the weekly church service at Aldersgate. Throughout their years together, Wendell and Lucy were pioneer members in helping to start three new churches. Wendell was a born-again Christian with a loving, gentle and humble spirit. He always saw the positives in life, never the negatives. His words were always encouraging and uplifting. He never spoke unkindly of people and was a man of honor and integrity. He will be missed by many.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Randall and other brothers and sisters. Survivors include many nephews and nieces. Mr. Redding was cremated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Susanna Wesley UMC, 7433 SW 29th St., Topeka, Ks. 66614, or to the Aldersgate Village Good Samaritan Fund at 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, Ks. 66614.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. in Wesley Hall at Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, Kansas. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements.