William Ray “Bill” Ludwig, 59, Toronto, died Saturday, November 8, 2008, at Greenwood County Hospital, Eureka.

He was born Dec. 14, 1948, in Topeka to William E. and Velma M. Stewart Ludwig. He graduated from high school in Topeka and from Kansas State University in 1977.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam and Korean wars.

He was employed as Toronto Fire Chief.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Ludwig, Toronto; his mother, Velma Ludwig, Topeka; two daughters, Dusti Fansler, Winfield, and Katy Ludwig, Yates Center; two sons, Bill E. Ludwig, Topeka, and Matthew A. Ludwig, Derby; a brother, Michael G. Ludwig, Virginia Beach, Va.; a sister, Cindy Ludwig, Topeka; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. today at Campbell Funeral Home, Fredonia.

Contributions may be made to the Bill Ludwig Scholarship Fund for graduates to attend fire fighting school.