William “Mac” Edward McKusker, 76, of Topeka, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020.
He was born April 25, 1943, in San Francisco, California, the son of Richard E. and Mildred Mae (Scroggins) McKusker. He was a graduate of Mansfield High School, Mansfield, Arkansas and later served in the U.S. Air Force.
Mac was employed by Julius Rebeck and later owned and operated Mac’s Painting in Topeka for over 40 years until retiring. He and his business partner, Joe Pinter, were well known throughout the area for their quality work.
He was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka.
Mac married Betty Jean Hillebert on June 8, 1963 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on July 26, 1998. He married Nancy A. Bartee on June 10, 2000 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include four children, Susan (Mike) Treiber of Topeka, Jim (Rebecca) McKusker of Wichita, KS, Leslie Ritchlin of Denver, CO and Janie Bartee of Auburn, KS; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Lucas) Arnold, Luke Treiber, Kylie and Mykenzie McKusker, Cameron and Shelby Ritchlin, Lauren (Todd) Kendrick; and four great-grandchildren, Blake and Everett Arnold and Kash and Briar Kendrick.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Donald and John Dewey.
Mac enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and archer who was instrumental in establishing the Topeka Bow Hunters Club. Mac was a quiet competitor in running, biking, snow and water skiing, as well as arm wrestling. In addition to his sporting activities, Mac also enjoyed restoring classic cars, riding American Saddle Bred horses, gardening and collecting John Wayne memorabilia. The Kansas Jayhawks certainly had a passionate supporter in Mac!
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the celebration of Mac’s life begins at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611.
Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church or to Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (William McKusker Memorial), 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.
To leave a special message for Mac’s family, you can visit the funeral home’s website.
Services & Gatherings
Visitation:
Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611
Service:
Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611
