IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

Leon Hayen

Memorial services for Leon H. Hayen, 95, Topeka, who died May 9, 2023, at Home of the Flint Hills in St. George, will be 1:30 pm Friday, June 2, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, Topeka.

Inurnment and military honors will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Grant Township Cemetery, east of Marion.

Born July 6, 1927, in Grant Township to Walter and Dorothy (Collett) Hayen, he was the oldest of six children, followed by Virginia Downing of Marion, Marilyn Geis (deceased), John Hayen of Marion (deceased), Max Hayen of Marion, and Carmen Parrack of Plano, Texas.

He attended a rural grade school and was a graduate of Marion High School in 1945.

Leon joined the Navy in June, 1945, he was discharged in August, 1946.

He graduated from Westmar College in 1953 and from Evangelical Seminary, Naperville, Illinois, in 1956.

He served as a United Methodist pastor in Kansas, living in Eldorado, Pittsburg, and Hiawatha and twice in Topeka. Leon also served as superintendent of the Ottawa district.

In retirement, Leon enjoyed many hobbies, travel, and a variety of volunteer activities.

Leon was married Aug. 17, 1948, to Catherine F. Thomas. Leon and Cate had four children: Robert (and wife Sheila) of Yukon, Oklahoma; Marlene O’ Neal (and husband David) of Manhattan; Scott (and wife Kelley) of Topeka; and Janet Diemer of Castle Pines, Colorado.

Leon and Cate were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife, son-in-law John “Jack” Diemer, and two siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka North Outreach, 210 NW Menninger Rd, Topeka KS 66617 or to Habitat for Humanity.

Davidson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.