Walter Knox Hillmer, 80, of Topeka, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
He was born January 7, 1945, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Walter and Mary (Fowler) Hillmer. Walt graduated as valedictorian of his 8th-grade class at Topeka Lutheran School. Walt graduated the class of 1963 from Topeka West High School. He furthered his education at Washburn University, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Education. After completing his undergraduate degree, he served in the Peace Corps from 1968 to 1970 in La Dorada, Colombia, as the elementary school superintendent. During this time, he became fluent in Spanish communicating with and educating the local population.
Upon returning to Topeka Kansas after completing his Peace Corps service Walt was the third generation President and CEO for Hillmer Luggage, Leather & Gifts from 1980 to 2008. Walt steeped himself within the greater Topeka business community by serving as President of the Planning Forum from 1990 to 1992. He was also a member of the Downtown Topeka Inc. since 1993, and a Guest Lecturer at Washburn University for three years, 1987, 1992, and 1993. Walt served as the chairman of The Retail of Downtown Topeka from 1993 to 1996. He was the planning person for the Cappers Foundation for their 75th anniversary. He was a consultant for Horse Creek Ranch Non-Profit Organization. He was the coordinator and fundraiser for Downtown Topeka in 1980, 1993, and 1994. Walt was a current member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Shawnee County Historical Society.
Walt’s primary service was to his declared Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, of which Walt was a continuous witness of God’s Love, Mercy, and Blessings. For over a decade he ran the Wednesday night children’s program at the Community Baptist Church. As a member of Northland Christian Church from 1995 to 2008, he served as Chairman of the Stewardship Committee as well as elder and Deacon of the Town and Country Christian Church of Topeka from 2009 to the present.
Walter married the earthly love of his life Joyce Gilpin on October 5, 1991, in Topeka, Kansas, at the Northland Christian Church. She survives with her three sons and seven grandchildren; Brian (Kirsty) Gilpin (Kate and Luke), Sean (Martha) Gilpin (Connor), and Devin (Allison) Gilpin (Sydney, Jack, Cory, and Max) and an abundance of cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Walter enjoyed learning and teaching the history of his hometown and home state, Topeka and Kansas as well as playing the piano for close friends and family.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Town & Country Christian Church, 4925 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66614. The family will begin receiving friends the hour prior to the service start time. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery in Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Town and Country Christian Church, Topeka Rescue Mission or Gideon's Bible Society.
To share a memory of Walter or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.
Town & Country Christian Church
Town & Country Christian Church
Rochester Cemetery
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