1925
Roland
2015
Roland Roepe
September 16, 1925 — December 1, 2015
Roland “Ron” Alan Roepe, age 90, of Overland Park, KS passed peacefully in his sleep at home, on December 1, 2015.
Ron was born September 16, 1925 in St. Louis, MO to Roland August Roepe and Cleta Daley Roepe. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas where he obtained his Eagle Scout, which was a proud moment in his life. He graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Architecture and Aeronautical Engineering. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the Army Air Force. He married his high school sweetheart, Pauline Stolpe on June 19, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas.
His career was devoted to his passion for flying and airline safety. He was instrumental in developing safety protocols (many of which are still used today) including: floating seat cushions, aisle way floor lighting for emergency evacuations, the escape hatch in airplane cockpits for the flight crew to utilize if door way is blocked, and the foam used for jet fuel fires.
During his career he worked for Frontier Airlines, Martin-Marietta, the Civil Aeronautics Board, TWA, and Saudi Arabia Airlines. He retired in 1987 and enjoyed weekly golf outings and traveling across the United States and Europe.
He is survived by his 3 children: Steve (Holly) of Littleton, CO and their children Shannon, Kevin and Max; Alison Roepe of Lawrence and her daughter Kait (Casey) and their son Donovan McNeely; Bill (Barb) of Overland Park and their children Austin (Libby) and Megan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife, Polly.
On July 12, 1994 he married Dorothy J. Bartley who survives of the home and her children: Buzz Bartley (Suzy) and Linda Miller (Bob); 4 grandchildren, Scott Bartley (Kelley), Debbie Petrillo (Steve), Bart Miller (Becky) and Mindy Miller; 7 great grandchildren, Noah and Nicholas Bartley, Cassie and Spencer Petrillo, and Andrew, Owen and Claire Miller.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to Gentiva Hospice, 8735 Rosehill road, STE 200,ATTN: Susan Meyers, Lenexa, KS 66215; Harvesters- The Community Food Network, P.O. Box 412233 Kansas City, MO 64141, or Village Presbyterian, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208 and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Ron was born September 16, 1925 in St. Louis, MO to Roland August Roepe and Cleta Daley Roepe. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas where he obtained his Eagle Scout, which was a proud moment in his life. He graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Architecture and Aeronautical Engineering. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the Army Air Force. He married his high school sweetheart, Pauline Stolpe on June 19, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas.
His career was devoted to his passion for flying and airline safety. He was instrumental in developing safety protocols (many of which are still used today) including: floating seat cushions, aisle way floor lighting for emergency evacuations, the escape hatch in airplane cockpits for the flight crew to utilize if door way is blocked, and the foam used for jet fuel fires.
During his career he worked for Frontier Airlines, Martin-Marietta, the Civil Aeronautics Board, TWA, and Saudi Arabia Airlines. He retired in 1987 and enjoyed weekly golf outings and traveling across the United States and Europe.
He is survived by his 3 children: Steve (Holly) of Littleton, CO and their children Shannon, Kevin and Max; Alison Roepe of Lawrence and her daughter Kait (Casey) and their son Donovan McNeely; Bill (Barb) of Overland Park and their children Austin (Libby) and Megan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife, Polly.
On July 12, 1994 he married Dorothy J. Bartley who survives of the home and her children: Buzz Bartley (Suzy) and Linda Miller (Bob); 4 grandchildren, Scott Bartley (Kelley), Debbie Petrillo (Steve), Bart Miller (Becky) and Mindy Miller; 7 great grandchildren, Noah and Nicholas Bartley, Cassie and Spencer Petrillo, and Andrew, Owen and Claire Miller.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to Gentiva Hospice, 8735 Rosehill road, STE 200,ATTN: Susan Meyers, Lenexa, KS 66215; Harvesters- The Community Food Network, P.O. Box 412233 Kansas City, MO 64141, or Village Presbyterian, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208 and will be accepted at the funeral home.
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