Jeffry R. Heryford

Jeffry Robert Heryford, 54, Topeka, beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle, died unexpectedly on August 3, 2012.

Born December 30, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in Golden, Colorado, and Rowayton, Connecticut, Jeff graduated from Brien McMahon High School in Connecticut where he was a member of the honor society and Lead Trumpet in the nationally recognized Jazz Ensemble. A 1980 graduate of Wichita State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, Jeff went on to become a highly decorated, 32-year veteran of the Kansas State Highway Patrol, where he served as a member of the Honor Guard, Governor's Detail, Motor Vehicle Inspection Division and currently as a member of Troop "G" Turnpike Patrol. Early in his law enforcement career, he served with the Derby, Kansas Police Department and as an officer with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Jeff served with several fire departments and emergency medical units as a volunteer firefighter and an EMT. In 1992, Jeff married the love of his life, Lezlee Brown of Holton, Kansas. A very dedicated family man, Jeff and Lezlee have 2 children, Lea and Samuel. Jeff was a committed community activist and volunteer. He was a member of the Countryside United Methodist Church where he assisted with the youth program as a chaperone on annual ski trips, a trumpeter and a member of the Soul-full Singers.

Jeff is survived by Lezlee, Lea and Samuel, his brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Michele Heryford, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, nieces and nephews, Ryan Heryford, (wife) Carrie Whealy, Kate Heryford, Eryn Correa, Erin Heryford and Zach Correa; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Jay Zimmerman, nephews, Jayson and Jacob Zimmerman of Liberty, Missouri and brother–in-law Bryce Brown of Kansas City, Missouri; father and mother-in-law Robert and Marilyn Brown of Holton, Kansas; aunt and uncle, Ruth and Frank Iogha of Asheville, North Carolina and their children Marc Iogha of Atlanta, Georgia and Diane Iogha Stratton of Detroit, Michigan, uncle Don Williams of Scottsdale, Arizona, and his aunt, Margaret Walker of Joplin, Missouri. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Sam Heryford of Estes Park, Colorado and his uncle, Bob Henry.

Jeff was a pillar of his community, a dedicated and loving father, and a man of strength, character, humor, and wisdom. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at
Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, Kansas, 66611. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.

Memorial Gifts are being accepted to aid in the education of Jeff's children. Gifts should be made payable to "The Heryford Children Education Fund" and mailed to the Countryside United Methodist Church.