Dean Jay McWilliams

Dean Jay McWilliams, 51, Topeka, lost his battle with cancer Friday, November 11, 2016, at his home, comforted with love as he was surrounded by family. Dean was born July 1, 1965, in Cheyenne WY, the son of George and Sonja Avers McWilliams. Dean moved at a young age with his family to Cleveland OH, and his love for the Browns and the Indians took root and remained loyal despite the family’s move to Topeka KS. Dean graduated from Seaman High School in 1983. He graduated from Washburn University with a Criminal Justice degree. Dean was an officer for the Topeka Police Department, retiring as a Lieutenant after 29 years of public service. His proudest years in law enforcement was becoming a pilot and flying for the TPD Helicopter Unit. Dean balanced his career as a law enforcement officer and his pursuit of becoming a lawyer, graduating from Washburn University Law School in 2002. Dean not only maintained a private practice, but enjoyed being a prosecutor for Jackson County. He shared his talent and inspired others by teaching criminal justice as an adjunct professor at Washburn University. Dean met his wife, Dawn in 2000, at the Topeka Police Department. They married and united a family including Connor & Zach Cummings on December 29, 2007. The gifts of twin boys Nicholas and Nathaniel completed their family. Dean was a dedicated, loving, caring, thoughtful man with a wonderful sense of humor. His greatest joy was watching the boys develop into incredible young men, as he helped coach sports teams, cheer from the sidelines, help with history homework, actively participate in school functions and assuring that the annual family vacation to OBX was never missed. Dean was proud to be the uncle of Ellie and Camden, making them laugh with practical jokes and being present as they grew into amazing young adults. Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife, Dawn, of the home; sons, Connor, Zach, Nicholas and Nathaniel; father, George McWilliams, Topeka; sister, Cathy Martin (Chuck), McCordsville IN; nephew, Camden Martin; niece, Ellie Martin; uncle, Lyle Avers (Kandi), Topeka; Aunt, Noreen Fisher (Mark),Galveston IN; father-in-law, Steve Armstrong, McCormick SC, sister-in-law, Kristin Armstrong, Salem MA; brothers-in-law, Tim Armstrong, Topeka and Matt Armstrong, Simpsonville SC. Dean was preceded in death by his mother, Sonja McWilliams, in 2013; and his aunt and uncle, Luella and James Bagby. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 17th at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Burial will be private at Rochester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The McWilliams’ Children Education Fund, to benefit Nicholas and Nathaniel, at any Azura Credit Union. Dean’s family acknowledges and thanks the dedicated Bone Marrow Transplant Team at the University of Kansas Medical Center and the compassionate and comforting team from Midland Care Hospice that became part of their family during this unexpected journey.

Dean Jay McWilliams

July 1, 1965 - November 11, 2016