Heath Wilson And Mardine Wilson

Heath Devon Wilson 34, and Mardine Leimamo Jack Wilson 63, died together in an automobile crash on April 6, 2018 in Topeka. They met while working at a summer camp in 2004 and married Oct. 14, 2006.

Heath was born on January 7, 1984 to Larry Franklin Wilson (Deceased) and Alana Renae Wilson Oswalt. With an emphasis on orchestra and choir he graduated Topeka High School in 2002 and became a BSA Eagle Scout, OA Troop 46 in 2001.

He graduated from Washburn Tech in Culinary Arts. He made the Dean's Honor Roll in 2009 and was the Nall Speak Off Champion in 2008 while attending W. U. in Business and Communication within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Spending many years in food service he cooked at Atria Hearthstone, was wait staff at Johnny Carino's, Olive Garden and Via's; where he later became manager. He spent time as a Realtor for Realty Executives, was a House Manager and Volunteer Coordinator for TPAC, a Pampered Chef Consultant, a Notary Public for the State of Kansas, and spent the last six years as a Licensed Sales Producer for Allstate, Brian Green Agency.

Among his many interests were board games, cards, cooking, humor and jokes, hunting, movies, music, singing and travel. He supported youth through day camps as "Patches"; remembered as the "best counselor ever" by a recent Eagle Scout. He was a BSA District Member at Large for Shawnee District and a Merit Badge Counselor 2017. He supported young people by teaching in the Junior Achievement Classroom, serving in the Lion's Club and was a member of The Professional Networking Group of Topeka.

Survived by: Mother, Alana Renae Wilson Oswalt, Topeka, Sister, Heather Dawn Winzer, Brother-in-Law Randy Winzer and his nephews Jack Patrick and Jonathan Franklin, nieces Samantha Clarice and Sarah Elizabeth of Pittsburg, KS and Grandparents Dale F. and Lahoma C. Wilson of McLouth, KS.

Mardine Leimamo was born on January 19, 1955 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and spent her early years as an Air Force brat with her late mother Leimomi, father Phillip, and brother Phil, eventually settling in SE Kansas.

Mardine taught for many years at Cair Paravel Latin School and State Street School in Topeka, sharing her passion for the natural world and for art with her beloved "children". She was a devoted stage mom and coached the CPLS Bible Quiz team to a regional title.

Her recent years have been devoted to her dogs, to the animals (especially the orangutans) she worked with as a docent at the Topeka Zoo, to her ever-growing collection of Converse tennis shoes, and to her grandsons.

She was honest to a fault, honored individuality in herself and others, and was a fiercely loyal friend. Her son and daughter blame her for their tendency to find the silly in every situation. She was a strong survivor of cancer and loved without reservation.

She is survived by daughter Emily of Guildford, UK; son Jack, his wife Jessica, and grandchildren Samuel and Thomas of Seattle, WA. She is also survived by father Phillip, of Carthage, MO, brother Phil and wife Julie of Edna, KS, 2 nephews, 5 grand-nephews and nieces, and dogs Franklin and Chester.

H + M were Friends of the Topeka Zoo and members of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, loved to travel, and attended First Baptist Church where Heath sang in the choir. They had recently completed Financial Peace University. They were avid supporters of the arts, especially theater, and enjoyed entertaining and playing games together with family and friends.

A celebration of their lives will be held Sunday, April 22 at 1:30 pm, TBC College Avenue Building (1135 SW College Ave) with a reception to follow at TPAC (214 SE 8th Ave) until 5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in the couple's name can be made to the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation Scholarship Fund (1800 SE 21st St, 66607) or to the Helping Hands Humane Society (5720 SW 21st St, 66604).