George Lester Roe

Olathe, KS

1939, 762, Custer, F-12 (Doran),

Visited the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum of South Dakota in 2012.

George Lester Roe, 95, of Olathe, KS, passed away September 14, 2015 at Olathe Medical Center. Private family Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, KS. Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, 913-856-7111. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Honor Flight PO Box 2371, Hutchinson, KS 67504.

George was born June 29, 1920 in Olathe to Mabel (O’Roark) and Dick Roe. One of 11 children, George lived a life of adventure. At 17 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed in South Dakota. George was part of the crew that built the iconic fire tower atop Harney Peak, located near Mount Rushmore. In 2013, he and friend and neighbor Heather Ballinger returned to Harney Peak, where George made it to the top again - this time on horseback, assisted by caring park rangers who became fast friends. He served in the United States Navy during WWII. His time aboard the USS Antietam gave George a lifetime of stories to share with his kids and grandkids. He recently reunited with fellow Antietam seamen and visited Washington DC in June 2015 with the Kansas Honor Flight program. George married Marjorie Jeanne Squires on August 2, 1952 in Belle Vista, AR. He spent his career as a Construction Industry Union Laborer, retiring in 1982. A lifetime Olathe resident, George was the mayor of his neighborhood. He mowed lawns for many on the block until earlier this year. He also served as the resident bike repairman for kids up and down the street. George was an avid fisherman, catching pike in Canada and trout in Roaring River, a favorite family spot. He rarely missed watching a Jayhawk basketball or Royals game. A loyal husband, hands-on father and grandpa, and beloved neighbor, George will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marjorie; siblings, Kenneth, Virginia, Ralph, Doris, Richard and Mabel. George is survived by his children: Sue Tillinghast and Karl of Lincoln, NE, Sheri Bowden and Allen of Wellsville, KS and Gordon Roe and Jennifer of Prairie Village, KS; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and siblings: Mary, Joe, Barbara and Shirley.

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