Anthony “Tony” Edward Habiger Jr., 85, Topeka, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, Topeka.

He was born Sept. 23, 1924, in Redwing to Anthony Valentine and Gertrude Teresa (Spanier) Habiger.  

He graduated from Pomona High School in 1943.  

He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, serving during World War II as a ball turret gunner on the B-17 bomber the Liberty Bell.  

He worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Bridge and Building Department for 11 years. He moved to Topeka to work for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, retiring in 1988 after 32 years of service.  He also worked part time at Shell’s Phillip 66.

He was a member of Capitol Post No. 1 of the American Legion, Rubber Workers Local 307, 8th Air Force, 391st Bombardment Squadron (H), 34th Bomb Group (H), the Topeka Camping Club, The Moose Lodge and Goodyear bowling leagues.

He loved fishing, baseball, bowling, golf and camping.

He married Elizabeth Joan Williams Sept. 3, 1949, in Ottawa. She preceded him in death Sept. 28, 2008.  

Survivors include daughters, Rebecca Magee, Sandra Myers and her husband, Orville, and Kathryn Habiger, all of Topeka; son, Anthony Habiger, and his wife, Suzanne, Kansas City, Mo; brother, John Henry Habiger and his wife, Leila, Topeka; sisters, Betty Dennis, and her husband, Glen, Grand Junction, Colo, and Wanda Lou Rose, Lindsay, Texas;  sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Roy, Edmond, Okla., Lorena Fasse, Tuscon, Ariz.; grandchildren, Cassandra (John), Heather (Brian), Ryan (Lindsee),  Carrie (Chris), Cristie (Tony), Dusty and Kim; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Katelyn, Jonah, Jason, Justin, Gina, Hunter, Ryder, Kylea, Jaiden, Luke, Melony; a great-grandson due in December; and 17 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Belle Habiger.

Friends may pay their respects after 1 p.m. Thursday. The family will meet with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, where military honors will be presented by a Fort Riley burial detail.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Church, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka KS 66605.  

Condolences can be made at www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com and at www.ottawaherald.com.

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