Memorial services for Jack L. Roney, 86, Concordia, Kansas will held at the Brown Grand Theater, Concordia, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 14. The family will meet with friends one hour before the services. Burial with full military honors will be at Fort Leavenworth.

He died Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Cloud County Health Center in Concordia where he had been hospitalized since July 9. He was born April 17, 1923 in Richmond, Missouri, the oldest son of Edward and Edna Roney.

Following his service in the 23rd Depot Repair Squadron of the Army Air Forces during World War II, he worked first as a radio engineer in Sioux City, Iowa, and then began a 30-year career in the movie theater business, working first in Liberty, Missouri and then moving with his family to Concordia, Kansas in 1966 where they operated the Cloud 9 Drive-In, the Sigma I and the Brown Grand. Jack was instrumental in securing recognition of the Brown Grand Theatre on the National Historic Register, and was a founding member of the Board of Directors that oversaw the renovation of the opera house. Following his retirement from the movie theater business, he operated Callaway Refrigeration in Concordia.

Jack enjoyed music and was an accomplished guitarist and singer. He was licensed as an amateur radio operator under the call letters W0VRU. He also was skilled in repairing old clocks and radios, and enjoyed a variety of other interests.

He married Hannalesa Aggen on June 10, 1943, who survives. Other survivors include his brother Ted Roney, Kearney, MO; and his two daughters and their families: Laurie Roney Blaha, Paul Blaha and their sons, Sam, Seth and Silas, Benton, KS; and Marlesa Roney and Vern Hillsman, Lawrence, KS. He also is survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Jean and Anna, and his brother Jerry.

The family suggests memorials to the Brown Grand Theatre or The Baptist Church, sent in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, 325 W 6th, Concordia, KS 66901.