Walter W. McFarland

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Topeka High School

Walter McFarland Obituary

Walter W. McFarland, 82, of Topeka, passed away suddenly, Monday, March 14, 2005, at his home. He was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Coblenz, Germany, the son of E.W. and Barbara Wagner McFarland. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1941 then immediately left for military service in the United States Army. After serving fourteen years in the Armed Forces, he joined with his brother to take over the reins of McFarland's Restaurant. He retired in 1984. Mr. McFarland was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also an avid fisherman. He married Doris G. Patterson in 1943. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Cathy L. Butler and her husband, John T., and Trudy D. Calhoun and her husband, Gary A., all of Topeka; three sons, Walter N. McFarland and his wife, Deb, Topeka, James E. McFarland, Lawrence, and Scott E. McFarland and his wife, Shayao, West Bend, Wis.; a sister, Trudy McFarland, Topeka; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildr en. Mr. McFarland will lie in state after 1 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Community Living Opportunities, 2125 Delaware, Lawrence, Kan. 66046, or to T.A.R.C., 2701 S.W. Randolph, Topeka, Kan. 66611. To leave a message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Mar. 15, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter McFarland

12 Entries

Jim Wylie

October 2, 2023

Mr.McFarland was one of the nicest people I've ever known. Enough said.

Carl McFarland

March 18, 2005

My Uncle Walt called me on February 24 to inform me that my sister, Wendy had passed away. As I began to cry, he persisted in asking me about my three children, in great detail. It was such an odd moment, that I had to laugh. He always made me laugh. He was a really cool guy his entire life and I mean that in the sense that everyone was entertained just by being in his presence. He had a great wit, a self-effacing personality, and he nevered cared too much about what others thought of him. I am crying as I write this because I am headed to Kansas at the end of next week with my daughter. I wanted her to meet the uncle whom my son Graeme once described as the "funniest, coolest old guy ever!"

A few years back, Walt came to Birmingham to watch KU play in a regional NCAA game. KU lost, but we had a great time. Graeme, never quit laughing during the entire visit. Just last week he told me how funny it was that Uncle Walt called every young male child, "Bruiser." I have no idea why that is so funny, it just is!

Awhile back, I was able to watch Graeme throw a TD pass against Ohio State, in a game televised nationally. At the time, I wondered if any of my relatives got to see that happy event. Well, I know for sure that one did, because the minute I returned home I got a call from my excited uncle. He made my day!

One more thing, I have a wonderful photograph of Doris and Walt taken during WWII. He is in his uniform and Doris is wearing a very attractive suit. I think is it safe to say that he was the best looking McFarland ever. What a great looking couple!

Diane Kuhn

March 18, 2005

Dear Walt, Cathy and Trudy:

I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I have such great memories from the Quick Chick days of your dad. He was such a character. He will certainly be missed.

CHUCK GORDON

March 17, 2005

TO CATHY ,WALT AND FAMILIES,

SORRY TO HEAR THE LOST OF YOUR FATHER AND GRANDFATHER TO YOUR KIDS. I KNOW THINGS WILL PASS WITH TIME .THEY WILL GET BETTER.

TAKE CARE

CHUCK ,KIM,TODD, AND ILANA GORDON

Jean Cook

March 16, 2005

Trudy & Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with

you and your family.

Kent,Jean,Kristi

Quint & Lynn Cook

Lisa Clarke

March 15, 2005

Cathy,

Sorry to hear about your father. We are all thinking of you at Doorstep and you are in our prayers. If you need anything, call us! Lisa & Staff

Don and Betty Kaufman

March 15, 2005

Dear John and Cathy ... We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Just think about how wonderful it will be for your Dad to be spending Easter with the One who died for him.

Sharon Laird

March 15, 2005

Trudy:

I am so sorry about your father. I had no idea that he was your dad.

My family has had many wonderful memories of McFarland's Restaurant.

We still eat at McFarland's often. We always looked at your father as such a kind and gentle man. I know he will be missed and I also know he is in heaven at peace sitting by our Great Father.

Sharon Laird

L.V. & Sharon Laird

March 15, 2005

Dear Walt & Deb:

Sorry to hear of your loss. We have been avid customers for many years of your father and you. We know that he is at peace with our heavenly father. Our prayers are with you.

L.V. & Sharon

Ava Roberts/Callahan

March 15, 2005

My sympathy is with your family and you are in my prayers as you grieve your loss. I have fond memories of Walt, the McFarland family, and restaurant.

Ava Roberts Callahan

(sister of Ernie Roberts)

Lyndy Holt

March 15, 2005

Dear Walt and Deb;

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My grandparents Don and Ruby Holt built a family tradition of memorial meals within your restaurant. We have had many wonderful events under your hospitality. Our hearts go out to you during your time of grief. May you always be proud of the fine tradition your father brought to our community. Thank you.

Peter and Dawn Lindner

March 15, 2005

Dear Walt and Deb,

We are sorry to hear of your

father's passing. Please accept our condolences.

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