Bill Esser

William A. (Bill) Esser, 89, of Topeka passed away July 4, 2010 at Colmery O’Neil VA Medical Center.

e was born January 30, 1921 in Booneville, MO the son of Henry John and Annetta Margaret (Fuser) Esser.  Mr. Esser served in the United States Army during WW II.  Bill was a combat engineer serving in France, England and North Africa.  He received two bronze campaign stars and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Bill owned Esser and Son Hardwood Floor Company (Yes Sir It’s Esser) before he retired.  He enjoyed doing woodcrafts and had a great love of the outdoors.

He was a member of Mater Dei Parish, Knights of Columbus Council #534, Carpenter’s Local #1445 and a life member Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW and DAV.

Bill married Coralie Woodward on October 30, 1948 in Topeka.  She survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Lydia (Kenneth) Gilliland of Holton, Bonita (Larry) Sanchez of Edgewood, NM and Margaret (Lynn) Covington of Hugo, OK, four sons, Bill (Maureen) Esser of Medford, OR, Phillip (Cheryl) Esser of Ft. Worth, TX, Michael (Colleen) Esser of Topeka, and Christopher Esser of Moriarty, NM and one sisterMary Margaret Morrison of Houston, TX.  Fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren also survive.  A son J. B. Esser preceded him in death on March 25, 2010.

Mr. Esser will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesdayat the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a prayer service will be at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Mater Dei’s Assumption Church.  Burial with military honors provided by Ft. Riley will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Palliative Care at the Colmery O’Neil VA Medical Center and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.