John Graham Levin

John Graham Levin, 84, of Topeka, passed away on October 8, 2022, at McCrites Plaza Senior Living long-term care after a hard-fought battle with Leukemia. John was born in Fremont Nebraska, on January 10, 1938, to Fredrick H. Maryott and Florence Ella Wood Graham Maryott (Born in Oakland, CA. 1908, died Topeka 2005). He had a brother Fredrick (Barbara) Maryott (deceased 2013), a half-sister Julie Marquis (deceased 1987), and a sister Anne (John) Schindler (she survives).

He married Marcia Kay Jones (deceased 11/2020), on New Year's Eve, 1959, They divorced in 1986. They had three children Randy (Tammie), Bristow, OK., Tim (Adrianna), Austin, Texas, and a daughter Kim (Jeff Cook), Lenexa, KS. John is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

John married Dorothy Joan Rivers (Corpus Christi, Texas) on Mustang Island, on April 11, 2001. She passed away on September 21, 2022, at McCrites in Topeka.

In 1958, after graduating from Omaha High School, John moved to Topeka and started working at Standard Oil, where he quickly became a top salesman. Soon after, John changed paths and started Lindsay Soft Water of Topeka, now Lindyspring Systems, and with his hard work and dedication over the past 64 years it has grown to become an icon not only in the local community but in the Midwest.

From a young age, John's natural charisma and charm lead him to know no stranger. He could captivate any soul with his vast knowledge and passion for history, KU basketball, and airplanes. John was well known for his quick wit and John Levin's original one-liners. He could pull you in with his stories and leave you laughing with his jokes.

John was known for his big heart and innate desire to help people. His generosity and love touched everyone in his life, no matter if you had just met him in passing or were a lifelong friend, John was always willing and ready to help in any way he could. Even at the end of his life, John's concern was not with his own mortality, but with making sure others would be taken care of after he was gone. The kindness he has given to others has caused a ripple that will continue through others for generations to come.

John's desire for knowledge and strong personality made him an amazing leader and businessman. He often saw the best in people when others did not. Throughout his life, John mentored and encouraged many people. Instilling in them the confidence to better themselves and their lives.

John was many things, a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, pilot, and boss. With his passing, a void will be left in many lives, but all can take comfort in remembering the amazing man that was John Graham Levin.

Our family would like to thank you for your support over the past months as John rode out his battle with Leukemia. We delighted in watching him light up when you'd come into his room to visit him. How alive he was visiting with you, sharing his stories one last time, and feeling your love for him. We can never thank you enough for all you did for him during that difficult time.

We are also deeply grateful to everyone at Stormont Vail who helped him (and put up with us dragging him in again) during his many visits. We know that you helped him live a little longer (so that we could have him one more day) and be comfortable. Also, an honorable mention to the folks at the healthcare resort staff that patiently put up with him in rehab.

To the wonderful people and staff at McCrites (including Hospice) who took amazing care of him the past couple of weeks, we say a huge Thank You!

John was cremated and requested there be no services. John's ashes will be buried with his Joanie in Mount Hope Cemetery next to his mother.

Donations may be made in his name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY. 10087