Verl Ray Widner

Verl "Ray" Widner, 83, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at a Topeka care center. He was born on December 22, 1925 in Newkirk, OK, the son of Ferlin and Lelia Puckett Widner. Ray was an Army veteran of WWII, serving in Europe and the South Pacific. He later served in the Kansas Army National Guard. He has resided in Topeka for the past 35 years. He was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad for over 30 years before retiring in 1987. Ray was a member of Highland Heights Christian Church, American Legion Capitol Post No. 1 of the American Legion and Philip-Billard Post No. 1650. Ray married Betty L. Foust on November 3, 1951 in Arkansas City, KS. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Charles (Kathy) Widner of Erskin, MN, David (Kathy) Widner of Topeka, three grandchildren, Tara, Jeffrey, Brie, five great-grandchildren, two brothers, Cecil Widner, Charles Widner and two sisters, Lois Foust and Ona Proberts. Ray was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Widner and one sister, Laura Thiess. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Highland Heights Christian Church. Graveside inurnment services will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by Philip-Billard Post No. 1650. Memorial contributions may be given to Highland Heights Christian Church, 2930 SE Tecumseh Rd., Tecumseh, KS 66542 or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617.