William H. Sayles

William "Bill" Sayles, 61, of Topeka, died on Monday, July 29, 2013 at his residence.

Bill was born on June 18, 1952 in Topeka to Robert D. and Dorothy (Bingham) Sayles. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1971. For many years, he worked as a drywall finisher locally for Covert's Drywall, Devoe Drywall, and most recently for Bob Florence Contractors, from which he retired in 2009.

He was a devout fan of NASCAR racing and loved to hunt and fish, especially in his younger years; he also loved John Deere tractors. He was a member of the local Painters, Finishers, and Allied Trades Union since 1978 until his retirement.

Bill was together with Darlene Walter for almost 33 years and raised two wonderful children with her. One of his greatest joys in life was the time he spent with his five grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Walter of Topeka; his mother, Dorothy Sayles of Topeka; one daughter, Angie (Josh) Cormier of Silver Lake; one son, Chad Walter of Topeka; five grandsons: Matthew, Kai, Caiden, Bryce, and Chase; two sisters, Ruth (Donald) Norris and Judy (Bill) McKinley both of Topeka and one brother, Bob (Shirley) Sayles of Lyndon as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Sayles, by one brother, Arthur Randolph, and one nephew, Eric McKinley.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Burial will follow at Meriden Cemetery. Bill will lie in state after 3p.m., Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the William H. Sayles Memorial Fund.

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