William H. Ogan

William H. Ogan, 88, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka. He was born on January 17th, 1920 in Emporia, the son of Alan and Jessie Ferrin Ogan. He graduated from Wyandotte High School and proceeded to Texas A&M University. His schooling was interrupted by WWII, when he proudly served as an officer in the Army Engineer Corps with tours in Europe, the Phillipines, and Japan. After the close of the war, he completed his Civil Engineering degree at Texas A&M in 1948. He continued his military career in the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Bill was employed by the State of Kansas as a State Highway Engineer and eventually attained the position of State Transportation Engineer. After retiring, he was involved with various clubs and organization, devoting most of his volunteer efforts to the American Red Cross and Lundgren Elementary School. Bill married D. Janet Hamilton on January 31, 1948 in Fort Worth, Texas. She preceded him in death on July 13, 1994. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Constance Louise on January 5, 1951, and two sisters, Jayne and Miriam. Survivors include his children; Anne K. Turnbull and husband, Thomas, of Perry; Thomas W. Ogan and wife, Carolyn, of Weatherford, Texas; David A. Ogan and wife, Cynthia, of Andover; two grandchildren, Felicia N. Geraci and husband, Nathan, and W. Scott Ogan; one great-grandchild, Talia N. Geraci; and one sister, Jacqueline Blanchard and husband, Richard, of Conroe, Texas. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Bill will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Red Cross, 1221 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS 66604, or Lundgren Elementary School, 1020 NE Forest, Topeka, KS 66616.