Donald L. VanDam, 85, Topeka, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016.
He was born Feb. 15, 1931, in LaHarpe, to James and Opal Fulkerson VanDam.
Don was employed at Mitchell Motor Co. in Iola before going to the Marine Corps in Barstow, Calif. After the military, he worked at General Motors BOP in Kansas City and later a rental store for 13 years. He moved to Topeka in 1967 as assistant manager for Midwest Vending Co. for 20 years. After retirement, he did carpentry finish work for Pashman Home Builders.
Don was a member of several antique car clubs and was very active in Golden Spokes Antique Cars of Topeka.
Don married Mable Irene Rook on Sept. 29, 1951, in Pittsburg. She survives. Other survivors include daughter, Patricia Kay (Will) Hasty; son, Michael (Kathy) VanDam, both of Topeka; grandsons, Dustin VanDam and Michael Robb; stepgrandson, Jason May; and stepgranddaughter, Julie Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jason VanDam; sisters, Jean and Shirley; and brother, Douglas.
Funeral ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Church of the Nazarene, 1001 SW Buchanan, Topeka, where the family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Colony Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
To leave a message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
