TOPEKA, Kan.—O.R. “Bud” Bargman, formerly of Hawkins Optical, passed away on May 15, 2012 at Homestead Assisted Living in Topeka at age 81.

Bargman was born April 26, 1931 in Clay Center, Kan., the son of Albert Rolf and Martha Mary Christina (Naegele) Bargman. After graduating from high school in 1948, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He received several medals for his service.

Bargman was associated with Hawkins Optical Laboratories in Topeka for 62 years, fabricating prescription eyewear for optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians. He was the co-owner and worked in production and sales from 1949 to 1968 before becoming president in 1969. In 1992 he became chairman of the board, and retired in 2010.

A past president of the Optical Laboratories Association, Bargman was a charter member of the OLA’s “Optical Pioneers.” In 1994, he and his wife, Marvene, co-chaired the OLA Centennial Convention. Bargman served as liaison to the American Optometric Association and the American Optometric Student Association, and was a board member of the See To Learn Foundation. He received the Kansas Optometric Association’s 1994 Vision Service Award, and held an honorary membership in the Kansas Optometric Association. He receivedthe Vision Service Award from the Heart of American Contact Lens Society in 2003.

In addition to Marvene, his wife of 57 years, Bargman is survived by a son, Kevin Bargman of Topeka; a daughter, Cheri van der Feltz of Tempe, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Clarisse, Francesca, Cassandra and Lennard “Neil”; and a sister, Joydene Carlson, Topeka. He was preceded in death by sisters, Mirla Whitehead and Ruth Arvilla.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Mount Hope Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel in Topeka. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Hawkins will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, after 2:00 p.m. on May 23, 2012; visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to: See To Learn Foundation 1266 S.W. Topeka Blvd, Topeka, Kan., 66612, or Foundation for Eye Health Awareness. P.O. Box 320219 Alexandria, Va., 22320, or Grace Hospice 3715 S.W. 29th St. Topeka, Kan., 66614. To leave a message for the Bargman family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.