Kenneth Eugene Roy

Kenneth "Ken or Kenny" Eugene Roy, age 90, formerly of Stockton and WaKeeney, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the home of his daughter, Joyce, and son-in-law Richard "Rudy" Lawson, in Erie, Colorado.

He was born in Gary, Colorado, to John and Olive Morin Roy on February 23, 1934, during the Great Depression. Ken married Ruth Jackson on April 29, 1953, in Stockton. They were blessed with two children, Janice, who died a day after her birth, and Joyce.

Ken served the City of WaKeeney in many capacities for over 50 years, including Police Chief, ambulance EMT, City Council for eight years, and Mayor for two terms. One of his most rewarding experiences was securing the arrest and conviction of Francis Donald Nemechek, a notorious serial killer of five, resulting in life imprisonment.

Kenny was a member of numerous organizations, including WaKeeney Lions Club, Christ The King Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Advisory Committee 1989-1999, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) 1969-1996, Kansas Peace Officers Association  (KPOA) 1970-1996, National Association of Chiefs of Police (NACOP)  1986-1996 and the International Association Chief of Police (IACP) 1979-1996. He was also a Kansas Hunter Safety Instructor and proudly served on the international security team for the 1996 Olympic Games in  Atlanta, Georgia.

In his leisure time, Kenny enjoyed hunting, skydiving, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Kenny's life was defined by a deep sense of duty, service, and love for his community. He devoted himself to making the world a better place,  whether through his work in law enforcement, his commitment to helping others, or his active participation in his church and community. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and adventure, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a story from his many travels and experiences. He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Erie, Colo.; daughter, Joyce (Richard) Lawson of  Erie, Colo.; siblings, Fr. Duane Roy OSB of Atchison, Joan Rader of  Littleton, Colo., Linda (Randy) Roy Cross of Tucson, Ariz., Roger (Desra) Roy of Stockton, Cheryl (David) Calvin of Stockton, and Rodney (Christi) Roy of Hays; sister-in-law, Gerry Roy of Aurora, Colo.; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Janice, brothers Ronald and Allan, and Sister Veronica Roy CSJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, from 5-7 p.m., at the church, with a Parish Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to St. Thomas Catholic Church or Christ The King Catholic Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st St, Stockton, KS 67669.