Roy I. Courtney passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 11, 2025 at Vintage Park of Ottawa, his home for the past few years.
The fourth of five boys, Roy was born to John R. and Ethel Kern Courtney on April 15, 1933 in Louisburg, Kansas. The boys grew up on an oil lease just north of Somerset and attended grade school in Somerset before moving to Paola in the 1940’s.
Roy enlisted in the US Army May 19, 1953 (during the Korean Conflict) and was honorably discharged May 18,1955. He received the National Service Defense Award. Roy remained stateside during his service, stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He received training that would serve him well in his future endeavors. He said that he got his best education in the army.
A jack of all trades, Roy first worked for Homer Shineman at his service station in Paola. He became a truck driver for Union Gas and later Groendyke Transport, before operating his own plumbing business. He also worked for Rural Water District. In retirement he worked for the Ottawa Car Wash and found fulfillment as a driver for the Franklin County Transportation Service.
Roy married Cleo Nadine Wishart in November 1956. The marriage ended in divorce. He then married Alice Spring Kistler in May 1973. His third marriage was to Rosemary Blanchard Morgan in August 1991. Both Alice and Rosemary preceded Roy in death. His marriage to Irma Sassaman was brief, but they remained friends and companions following divorce.
Although he had no children of his own, Roy passed on knowledge and love for life to the next generation of family and friends. A jokester at heart, Roy was quick-witted and could regale family and friends with stories, which sounded like tall tales but were based on his experiences. Dubbed the “Royster” by coworkers at Franklin County Transportation, his self-proclaimed moniker was Hemor’Roy’d.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents John and Ethel, brothers Charles, Bob, John Jr., and Wayne; and wives Alice and Rosemary. He is survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Frye Courtney, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Per his wishes, Roy will be cremated with an inurnment next to his beloved wife Alice in the Osawatomie Cemetery in the spring. A celebration of life is also planned for the spring.
Should you wish to honor Roy’s memory, donations may be made to American Legion Post 250 in Louisburg, where he was a 52-year member; your local American Legion Post; or the Kansas Honor Flight, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N Pearl Street, Paola, Kansas 66071.
While we mourn his passing, we take delight in knowing Hemor’Roy’d is kicking up his heels once again, dancing and listening to some good old country music. Royster, we appreciate you!
Courtesy Dengle & Son Mortuary, Louisburg Ks
