William R. “Bill” Novak, 82, lifelong resident of Lost Springs, died Feb. 20, 2012, at his home. He was born May 14, 1929, in the same family home to Ralph and Anna Christina (Carson) Novak.

He graduated from Lost Springs High School in 1947 and served in the U.S. Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant, first as a B-26 pilot and finally as a flight instructor. He received a degree in biological science from Kansas State University in 1957. He dealt with aircraft parts and sales for many years. He was a member of Hebron Lutheran Church. He served in the Kansas Legislature in the 1970s.

He married Dollye R. Sefcik on Nov. 19, 1955, in San Angelo, Texas. She survives of the home. He is also survived by one daughter, Nancy Lewis of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two sons, William “Bill” Novak of San Antonio, Texas, and James “Jim” Novak of Salina; one brother, Robert “Bob” Novak of Lost Springs; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hebron Lutheran Church, Burdick, with Pastor Bill Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at the Hebron Lutheran Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hebron Lutheran Church. Services are under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Herington Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hebron Lutheran Church and sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home & Crematory, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038.

Messages may be left for the family online at http://www.penwellgabelherington.com.