Roger Kenneth Colby, age 95, entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2018, at Mt Joseph Senior Village, Concordia, KS. Roger was born in Smith Center, KS on January 23, 1923 to Noel B. Colby and Velma M. (Helfinstine) Colby.

Roger graduated from Smith Center High School on May 23, 1941. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in February of 1942 and served in the South Pacific during World War II, in such places as the Guadelcanal, Tarawa, and Saipan until he was wounded on July 4, 1944 in Tinian. Upon returning to the States to recuperate from his injury, he served stateside in Nebraska and finally at Camp Pendleton, in California, until the end of the war in 1945. He was Honorably Discharged on Sept 21, 1945, with the rank of Corporal and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Upon his discharge he returned home to the farm in Smith Center and went to Kansas State Agriculture College (K-State). While there he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated from there with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in January 1950.

While in college, he met the love of his life Mary Jean (Williams) Owen and after graduation, they were married on May 20, 1950, at the First Baptist Church, Topeka, KS.

Upon graduation from college, Roger became the Jefferson County Extension Agent and oversaw many 4-H groups in the County. In 1952, Roger and Mary Jean moved to Concordia, KS where they would spend the rest of their lives. Roger was the Cloud County Extension Agent. He was named Young Man of the Year in 1953, by the Concordia Jaycees, because of his extensive work with the county 4-H, soil conservation, Bankers Association and the agriculture committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

Wanting to spend more time with his family, he became the manager of the Federal Land Bank Association of Concordia in 1957. In 1976 his title was changed to president and would oversee eight counties in North Central Kansas, where he served many farmers and ranchers with their loans, appraisals, budget and operating plans. After 29 years of service to the Federal Land Bank, he retired in 1986.

Upon retirement, Mary Jean and he extensively traveled the US and abroad. He was a gifted craftsman in woodworking and made many pieces of furniture for their home and his children's homes. He was an avid golfer, loved to read and loved the outdoors. He loved his family and took great interest in everything they were involved in. Roger was a member of The Baptist Church, Elks Club, American Legion.

Until they moved from the farm in 2011, due to failing health, he managed their 12 acre farm. Over the years he raised sheep, chickens, cattle, horses, llamas, many barn cats and their kittens and had several beloved pet dogs. He farmed wheat and hay that he used to feed his livestock and spent many hours outside taking care of the yard and fields.

He is survived by his children: Michael Colby (Carla), Rlver Oaks, TX; Patrica Ostrom, Salina; Peggy Johnson (Ken), Concordia; Kim Colby (Carol), Lindsborg & Janine Caldwell (Alan), Grove, OK. 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren & 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, sisters Judith Johnson & Jane Colby-Clark, & son-in-law, Dennis Ostrom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Baptist Church of Concordia, Meadowlark Hospice, Cloud County 4-H, or Wounded Warriors in care of the funeral home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Tues., May 29, 2018 at The Baptist Church, Concordia with Dennis Knapp and Pastor Jonathan Peppers officiating.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia with Military honors conducted by the US Marine Corps, American Legion Post #76 and Patriot Guard.  Visitation will be from 1-8 pm with family greeting friends from 6-7 pm, Monday, May 28, 2018 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home.  For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.