William J. “Bill” Armstrong

Topeka – A celebration of life for William J. “Bill” Armstrong, 82, Topeka, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Congregational Church. Entombment will follow in Penwell-Gabel Mausoleum.Mr. Armstrong died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 at his home.He was born Dec. 1, 1925 in Horton, the son of John Q. and Catherine A. Gray Armstrong. He grew up on the family farm near Muscotah.He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1943. Following graduation, he joined the Navy V-12 program. He graduated from Iowa State with a degree in civil engineering in 1946 and received a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an ensign. He later received the rank of Lt. J.G. in the Construction Battalion (CB’s). He received a master’s degree in traffic engineering from Yale University in 1953.Mr. Armstrong was employed with the Kansas Highway Commission/Kansas Department of Transportation for more than 30 years. He also worked for Burgwin-Martin Consulting Engineering and for Urban Renewal in Topeka.He was a member of First Congregational Church.He married Marietta Dillon on Sept. 16, 1951, in Prairie Village. She survives.Other survivors include a daughter, Alea Lafond, Lawrence; a son, Kent, Olathe; two brothers, John Junior and Charles D., both of Muscotah; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.Friends may call after 2 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, where the family will meet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.The family suggests memorials to First Congregational Church, 1701 S.W. Collins, Topeka 66604.Online condolences may be sent at www.PenwellGabel.com