Roger Leroy Gustafson

Roger LeRoy Gustafson, 85, Topeka, received his permanent set of wings on January 22, 2018.

Born January 24, 1932 to Fred and Mary Gustafson, Roger grew up in Topeka, graduating from Highland Park High School before leaving for Kansas State University where he earned his BS in Animal Science in 1954.

Upon graduation, Roger entered the US Air Force where he began his career as a helicopter pilot, followed by a fixed wing aviator. He flew missions over SE Asia prior to and during the Vietnam conflict, finishing his military career piloting the C-5 Galaxy, retiring in 1974 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Roger returned to Kansas to raise Black Angus cattle in Osage County.

He was a member of the township board, KLA, the Angus Association, and the Kansas Republican Party. As a Bible scholar, Roger was an active member of Central Church of Christ where he taught class, hosted holiday parties, mentored, and was always willing to provide counsel.

Though never married, Roger leaves a long trail of friends and military buddies, all who consider him family. We rejoice in his new set of wings but will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. A visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home prior to graveside services at 1:30 p.m. at the Rapp Cemetery in Osage County.

A special thanks to the good people at Aldersgate Village and Great Lakes Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tallgrass Christian Camp.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit the guestbook below.