Robert W. 'Bill' Armstrong, 86, Topeka, formerly of Holton, died June 28, 2004, at a Topeka hospital. He was born Aug. 17, 1917, in Holton, the son of Robert C. and Golden Hamm Armstrong. He graduated from Holton High School in 1935 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Armstrong had lived in Topeka since 1960, except for a period from 1978 to 1988 when he lived in Rogers, Ark.

He worked at Ira Shaw Produce in Holton for 15 years and operated Armstrong Produce in Holton for 10 years. He drove a 250-mile daily milk route for Meadow Gold and later managed a gas station for Hollar Oil Co., retiring in 1978.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Holton. He was a life member of both the VFW and American Legion in Holton and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Topeka.

He married Berla Beems on Sept, 4, 1938, in Ontario, Kan. She died March 17, 1993. Two sisters, Jean Dittemore and Faye Stilwell, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include a daughter, Sue Johnson, Topeka; a son, Rue Armstrong, Topeka; a sister, JoAnn Keasler, of Coker, Ala.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and a nephew.

Services were held July 2 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial was in Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Colmery O'Neil V.A. Medical Center, sent in care of Volunteering Services, 2200 SW Gage Ave., Topeka, KS 66622.

U.S. Navy during World War II.

from findagrave.com