Robert L. Banion

Topeka – Funeral services for Robert L. Banion, 83, Topeka, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church of Topeka. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery & Mausoleum. Mr. Banion died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at his home. He was born July 13, 1924, in Burbank, Okla., the son of Elmer L. and Vena Banion.Mr. Banion began his career with the Santa Fe Railway in 1943 as a station agent in Wakarusa, and he held a number of positions in Iowa, California, New Mexico, Illinois and Oklahoma before he retired in 1987 in Topeka as general manager for Santa Fe’s eastern lines. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Topeka, where he served as an elder and member of various committees. After he retired he was treasurer of the first Topeka Performing Arts Center board. He also served on the boards for both the Girls and Boys Clubs and Topeka Civic Theater.Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Melba Jones Banion, Topeka; two daughters, Sharron Jordan and husband Bob, Clovis, N.M., and Linda Siebenthall, Lawrence; a son, Mark and wife Phyllis, Dana Point, Calif.; a sister, Sue Bussard, Topeka; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel in Topeka.The family suggests memorials to Topeka First Presbyterian Church, 817 S.W. Harrison St., Topeka 66612, or Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka 66606.Online condolences may be sent at www.penwellgabel.com.