Robert D. Herl

Robert D. "Bob" Herl, 85, of Topeka, died July 25, 2011 at Midland Hospice House. He was born on May 27, 1926 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Alex and Mary (Bernhardt) Herl. Bob was a graduate of Hayden High School and a lifelong Topeka resident. He served in World War II with the Army Air Corp from 1944 to 1946. He later served in the Kansas National Guard from 1953 to 1956 and rose to the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Herl was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years as a freight car mechanic and layout man. He retired in July 1988. Mr. Herl was a member of Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish, American Legion Post #400 and a former member of the Transportation/Communication Union Shawnee Lodge #6887. He married Eulala M. Baird on October 8, 1949 at the Church of the Assumption in Topeka. She survives at the home. He is also survived by his daughter Connie (Dave) Goodson of Ozawkie, Ks., two sons, Stephen (Kelly Anne) Herl of Spring Hill, Ks., and Dr. Cary Herl of Riley, Kansas; three grandchildren and one great grandson, Cody and Emily Herl of Manhattan, Ks., and Brian and Michael Barnard of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the last surviving member of his family and was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Sams and twin brothers, Richard and James Herl. Mr. Herl will lie in state at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the church on Thursday. Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish or to the charity of the donor's choice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.