Benny Meyer

Benny Edwin Meyer, 88, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on December 10, 2024. Benny was born May 3, 1936, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Edwin and Lena Martinson Meyer. He grew up in Hiawatha, Kansas, with his two sisters, Marjorie and Ruth, and graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1954. After graduation, Benny served in the Army National Guard from 1954 to1963. He continued his post-secondary education at Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State University), where he played basketball and lettered in track and field. While there, Benny met and married Wanda Goodwin in 1957, enjoying 67 years together. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a minor in Industrial Arts he began a successful teaching and coaching career in several Kansas schools. In 1972, Benny changed careers and spent 28 years serving Topeka as a State Farm Insurance agent. With State Farm, he found success and enjoyed many awards and promotional trips before retiring in 2000. Benny was an avid sportsman and enjoyed coaching and attending his children and grandchildren’s sports teams. He was a regular competitor in the Sunflower State Games (badminton) and the Senior Olympics (track and field). Benny was one of the founders of the Topeka Badminton Club. Survivors include Benny’s wife, Wanda; children, Trudi Slusser (Troy), Jill Meyer, Chris Meyer; three grandchildren, Haley Slusser (Cody Wood), Cole Slusser (Trista Reed), Reid Meyer (Lauren); one great-granddaughter, Karley Slusser; and Benny’s sisters, Marjorie Idol and Ruth Wolf. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, and his stepmother, Hazel Meyer. Visitation will be Friday, January 31st from 4 to 6 pm at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Benny’s funeral service will follow at 6 pm. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Contributions in Benny’s memory may be made to the Sunflower State Games/Kansas Senior Games (please put Benny’s name on the memo line) or to First Baptist Church (on memo line please put Topeka Badminton Club) and send in care of the funeral home.

Benny Meyer

May 3, 1936 - December 10, 2024