John England

John Boyd England, 93, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at Midland Hospice House. He had resided at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook for the past two years. He was born on May 15, 1915 in Topeka, the son of Josiah and Clara Griswold England. He attended Decker School and graduated from Highland Park High School. He farmed the family homestead until retirement in 1974. He and his wife lived near Camdenton, MO on Lake of the Ozarks for 30 years before returning to Topeka. Boyd was a charter member of the Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, served on the Decker School Board and the Shawnee Heights School Board where he was instrumental in developing the High School in 1962. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Highland Park State Bank for many years. Boyd and his wife both enjoyed water skiing for many years. They were both involved in teaching the sport to many friends. Boyd married Helene E. Roller on September 26, 1936 in Yates Center, KS. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2003. Survivors include three daughters, Jan England of Longmont, CO, Carol England of Osage Beach, MO, Alice Landers of Topeka, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, two great-grandsons and three step-grandchildren. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery southeast of Topeka. Boyd will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6020 S.E. 44th St., Tecumseh, KS 66542.