William J Topp, Jr

TOPP, Mr. William "Bill" J., Jr.
Kalamazoo, MI Died Thursday morning June 18, 2009. Bill was born June 6, 1936 in Kalamazoo, Michigan a son of William and Lina Grofert Topp, Sr. Years ago he served honorably with the U.S. Army Reserves. He had been a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident and was employed as a teacher with the Kalamazoo Public Schools for 31 years, retiring in 1991. During his tenure at KPS, he coached baseball and basketball; and served as a representative of the teachers union. He attended Western Michigan University and played baseball there in 1955-1959, leading the Bronco's to the College World Series. He later signed with the Washington Senators and played 3 years in the minor leagues. He also helped start rocket football in Parchment and directed summer baseball leagues for the City of Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy L. Topp on March 3, 2002; 5 brothers; and 2 sisters. He is survived by 3 sons, Jeffrey Topp, James Topp, and William "Bill" Cheryl Topp III all of Kalamazoo; 3 grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Eugene "Robert" Shirley Topp of Plainwell; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11 o'clock Tuesday from the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Friends may meet the family 2-4 and 6-8pm Monday at the chapel. Private burial will take place in East Cooper Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Residential Opportunities Inc. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.