Heaven became a lot more fun on August 20, 2024, when Daryl Lee Roller, 79, of Lenexa, passed away suddenly while vacationing in France. This proud Navy veteran and his wife of 53 years, Christy (Larson) Roller, had just visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Normandy.
Daryl Roller was born on April 3, 1945, in Holton, Kansas, to Donald and Dorothy (Sawhill) Roller. He married Christy Larson on August 7, 1971. They made their home in Fort Scott, Kansas, until 2010.
Daryl served in the United States Navy from 1966-1969. He was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 in Alameda, California and made two cruises to Vietnam aboard the USS Enterprise, CVA-65. The United States Navy was always an important part of his life. He visited and vacationed with sailors with whom he served 50+ years ago. Vacations with their families will always bring funny and fond memories.
Daryl received a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Management from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. He was one of the first employees to begin operations at Ward/Kraft, Inc. in 1972. He retired from Ward/Kraft in 1999 as Vice-President/National Sales Manager. For the last 10 years of his working career, he served as the Director of Development at Fort Scott Community College. His coworkers remember him as being honest, with integrity and impossible handwriting!
While living in Fort Scott, Daryl held membership or leadership positions in a variety of organizations: Fort Scott Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast, United Way, American Cancer Society, Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees, the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 25, and VFW Post 1165. He was still a member of VFW Post 1165, serving as the post surgeon. In the 1990’s, he was elected to the Fort Scott City Commission, serving one year as Mayor. Daryl never hesitated to participate in Relay for Life skits, always allowing himself to be dressed in ridiculous costumes.
Since moving to Lenexa, Daryl had been active in the Lenexa United Methodist Church, volunteered as a docent at The National World War I Memorial and Museum and served as Service Officer and Adjutant for American Legion Post 327 in Shawnee. He was also part of the Post’s Honor Guard, participating in weekly funerals at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth and cemeteries around the KC Metro area. He and his Honor Guard squad had performed color guard duties for the KC Royals, Chiefs, and most recently Sporting KC.
Daryl chaired the VFW Post 1165 committee that raised the funds and coordinated the erection and dedication of the U.S. Navy Memorial in Fort Scott National Cemetery. This remains one of his greatest achievements and will be around for generations to come.
Daryl served many important roles in the family: field trip leader for the grandsons, “Roller Compound” Equipment Manager for Amy and Beth, and dogsitter extraordinaire! He would say his favorite hobby was cleaning and repurposing someone else’s “disregards” or, as his family lovingly called it, dumpster diving. There are many items in each of our homes that will always remind us of him.
Daryl is survived by his wife Christy, three daughters: Amy Roller, Beth Roller, Sarah (Trenton) Moots; two grandsons, Caleb and Noah Moots; brother Dale Roller; and sisters Delores Kratochvil & Donna Larrison. Daryl was also very close to his nieces, nephews, extended family on both sides, many lifelong friends, and grand dogs!
Daryl will always be remembered for his faith, patriotism, love and support of family and friends, his fun-loving spirit, strong work ethic and loyalty. He had a servant’s heart and truly gave his all to leave the world a better place.
Visitation will be on September 9th, from 5-7 pm at Amos Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. The memorial service will be at Amos on September 10th at 2 pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the American Legion, 6521 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, Kansas. After his ashes have been received from France, a graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lenexa United Methodist Church,
Tunnels to Towers, or a veterans’ charity of your choice.
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