Raymond Wayne Gerdes

Raymond Wayne Gerdes, 84, Topeka, Kansas, passed away at Autumn Home Plus on October 4, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born April 18, 1940, the oldest child of Helen Irene and John Raymond Dodson in Topeka, Kansas. Wayne, as he was known to his friends, graduated from Washburn Rural in 1958.

Wayne was a man of many talents. He enjoyed working with his hands and created with wood and metal. He was an amazing painter and artist. Many van murals rolling around Topeka in the 70's was Wayne's work. He worked at DuPont in Tecumseh, KS, Superior Construction, Topeka, KS and built swimming pools and was a truck driver. He also enjoyed working odd jobs in his senior years, including at Home Depot and building decks and wood crafts for friends.

Survivors include sons Timothy W. Gerdes (Rebecca) and Gary R. Gerdes and daughter Dori R. Thomas; sister Carole M. Newell; grandchildren Tina Wazlawik (Wayne), Allie Bice (Jake), Derek Gerdes, Chad Gerdes (Jenna), and Leven Thomas; and five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; former spouse Leah L. Arledge; stepchildren Dan Hubert (Paulia), David Hubert (Tina), and Deanna Martin (Jeff). He is preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather Carl S. Gerdes, sister Karen K. Akerstrom, and nephew Bryan S. Johnson, former spouses Janice L. Clark and Linda L. Thorn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Ryan's Pub, 2910 SW Oakley Ave, Topeka, Kansas.

Wayne was a devout K-State fan. Memorial contributions may be made to Johnson Cancer Research Center, Cancer Research Fund, Kansas State University Foundation, PO Box 9200, Shawnee Mission, KS. 66201-1800 or online at https://giving.ksufoundation.org/campaigns/17071/donations/new.