William B. Nowlan

William Burdette Nowlan, 93, Topeka, passed away Monday, November 6, 2006 at his home.

He was born October 27, 1913 in McPherson County, Kansas, the son of Taylor and Bertha Smith Nowlan. He graduated from Windom High School in 1932.

Mr. Nowlan moved to Topeka in 1935. He owned and operated Kansas Auto Wrecking, Topeka Gun Club, and Capital Mail Service, from which he retired in 1975.

He was a US Navy veteran of WWII, serving in Olathe, KS and Opa Locka, FL. For many years he was an active member of the Tecumseh Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church.

He married Ernestine Elizabeth Lynde on May 27, 1936. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Robert B. Nowlan and wife Peggy; two daughters, Alice V. Payne and husband Clarence and Elizabeth A. Arnold and husband Mark; a sister, Maxine Day; seven grandchildren, Christopher Payne, Leatha Hall, Matthew Payne, Courtney Nowlan, James Fowler, Laura Hurla, and Robbie Fowler; a step grandson, Drew Arnold; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and a sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Military burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mr. Nowlan will lie in state after noon Thursday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tecumseh Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, and sent to 334 SE Tecumseh Rd, Tecumseh 66542.

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