Neil Harvey Arasmith passed away in Topeka, KS, September 26, 2010 at the age of 80 years, after an illness of only three weeks. He was born on February 23, 1930 in Brown's Creek Township, Jewell County, KS, the fourth child and third son of James Harvey Arasmith and Jessie Mae Fields.

His growing years were all upon the family farm in Jewell County, attending the local schools in the Township, then commuting to High School in Jewell City. After graduation in 1947, he went to to the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, and was awarded a Degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1951. Neil was always proud of being an alumnus of the University of Kansas.

He was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Donna Lee Schindler, on July 1, 1951, in Jewell City, KS, celebrating 53 years of marriage in 2004. To this union were born 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. They resided in Salina and Garden City for a short while before moving to Phillipsburg in 1955 where they made their home for 50 years until Donna's death in 2005. Neil then moved to live with family in Topeka where he spent the remainder of his life.

After being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force and Honorably Discharged, Neil began his civilian career with Mason Investment Company of Salina, serving in security sales and as their regional loan officer. When MIC became part of Beneficial Finance he also became involved with the insurance field. In 1972 he was elected to the Kansas State Senate for District 36 where he served 16 years until 1988, was appointed to and chair of numerous senate committees and became listed in Who's Who in American Politics. In the years 1990 and 1991 he was appointed to the position of Consumer Credit Commissioner for the State of Kansas. Neil then retired with Donna and remained in Phillipsburg.

Throughout his life Neil was active in the community, especially in Phillipsburg. He was an avid golfer and hunter, enjoyed sports and was a super fan of his alma mater, KU. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Rodeo Association, US Highway 36 Association, the Phillipsburg Hospital Board, and coached Little League Baseball. His memberships included the Lions Club, the Masons and he had a lifetime membership in the Elks (BPOE) at Phillipsburg and Cheyenne.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and two brothers, Lyle Arasmith and Vernon Arasmith. His is survived by one sister, June Saint of Jewell City, KS; one brother Al Arasmith (Karlene) of Salina, KS; all of his children, David Arasmith (Nancy J) of Topeka, Jeff Arasmith (Maxine) of Cheyenne, WY, Susan Esau (John) of Lawrence, KS, and Tim Arasmith of Kansas City, MO.

He also leaves behind Grandchildren: Christina (Eric) Haselhorst of Dodge City, Garrett (Amy) of Oklahoma City, Änna (Danny) Williams of Corpus Christi, TX, William of Topeka, Bobbi Asbury of Cheyenne, WY, Brad of Denver, CO, Jessica Babcock of Sterling, CO, Jocelyn Babcock of Kansas City, MO, Elizabeth Hazlett of Lawrence, Samantha (Montel) Munoz of Harveyville, Jake Esau, Justin Esau and Pete Esau; as well as Great Grandchildren: Matthew, Allison and Kara Haselhorst; Ema Arasmith; Wanceslau, Isabelle and Harold Williams; Aiden Arasmith; and Gabriel & Delilah Munoz.

Although a stroke confined him to a wheelchair in 2001, Neil continued to have an active mind, was constantly in charge of his own affairs and was always thinking of his family, wishing them well. He had a great rapport with the children around him, and always made a point to make sure his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all recipients of a coin from his collection. While all of his family and his friends from around the state and the nation will miss him, we all count our blessings to have been a part of the life of Senator Neil Arasmith.

Funeral services were held Wed, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with Rev. Phil Morris officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice of Topeka.