Francis Patrick Williams

Francis Patrick "Pat" Williams, 77, Topeka, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2016, at his home. He was born January 23, 1939, in Topeka, to Charles M. Williams and Josephine M. (Higgins) Williams. Pat attended Topeka public schools and graduated from Topeka High School in 1957. He attended Washburn University, where he worked on the Washburn Review staff and was a member of the Sagamore Men's Society and Pi Alpha Sigma political fraternity. Pat worked for Wolfe's as a photographer from 1963-­1967. During his tenure at Wolfe's, Pat photographed the damage from the 1966 tornado for Kansas Power and Light. Many of his photographs were used in a book published by Wolfe's to document the tornado. Pat began working as a photographer for the state in March of 1967, employed by the Kansas Highway Commission (which later became the Kansas Department of Transportation). During his 37 ­year career at KDOT, one of his most notable roles was to take portraits of the sitting governors of Kansas. As an avid aviation enthusiast, Pat most enjoyed the opportunities to fly in KDOT's airplane and photograph sections of Kansas highways.

Pat married Wynona Marie Ribordy at Assumption Church in Topeka on July 26, 1969, and their daughter Teresa Marie was born on September 15, 1970. Pat was the Lundgren Elementary PTA president and served on the Topeka Public Schools District Citizens Advisory Council. He was a church volunteer at Assumption Parish for several years. Pat was an amateur magician from young adulthood, performing for local nursing homes and at public events. He was the president of the local chapter of the Society of American Magicians. Pat enjoyed traveling, gardening, meteorology, cooking and grilling. He also enjoyed live theatre and was a volunteer at Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy, where he performed as part of the WTCT Players radio shows. Pat was a devoted family man and loved his family very much!

Pat is survived by his wife, Wynona, of the home; daughter, Teresa and son-in-law, Justin Jenkins; grandson, Aaron Longberg and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Josephine Williams, two half-sisters and four half-brothers.

A rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 30th, at Dove Cremation and Funeral Service, 4020 SW 6th Ave. in Topeka. Visitation will follow until 7:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Assumption Catholic Church, 204 SW 8th Ave. in Topeka. Inurnment of the cremated remains will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the St. Joseph's Church Restoration Fund, 227 SW Van Buren Street, Topeka, KS 66603.