Donald L. Roudybush

Donald L. Roudybush, 87, of Manhattan, died Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, at his home with his family by his side. Born on October 31, 1921 in Washington, Kansas he was the son of Ollie Eldora and Christopher Columbus Roudybush. On April 21, 1941 he married Betty Jean McNeill in Onaga. He then was baptized in Deluth, Kansas prior to being sent overseas for WWII. He proudly served his country with the United States Army Air Corps and earned several medals, ribbons and awards including: The Distinguished Unit Badge, The Oak Leaf Cluster, Overseas Bar, Good Conduct Medal, Air Corps Wings Badge, EAMET Campaign Medal, 7 Bronze Service Stars, and The Motor Vehicles Drivers Badge. He performed campaign assignments in Sicily, Naples, Rome, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. Donald was honorably discharged September 2, 1945 and made his home in St. George. He worked as an auto body repairman with the Federal Civil Service in Fort Riley until his retirement in 1974. He was a member of the Blackjack American Legion. Donald was an avid fisherman and he cherished his family. He and Betty had lived in the Manhattan area for the last two years and had celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last Tuesday. He is survived by: his wife, Betty Jean of the home; his sons, Robert L. Roudybush and wife Sherry of Topeka, KS, Mickey J. Roudybush and wife Diane of St. Mary’s, KS and Ted R. Roudybush and wife Sharon of Manhattan, KS; his daughters Donna J. Winter and husband Jerry of Ft. Worth, TX and Mary L. Van Gordon and husband Richard of Emporia, KS; his 31 grand and great grandchildren; and his beloved dog David. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Violet Foley, Elsie Reuger, Marie Wyatt, Dale R., Guy R., Archie R., Everett R. and Ralph Roudybush. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday May 2nd at Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial will follow in St. George Cemetery with full military honors. He will lie in state Friday May 1st starting at 1:00 p.m. and the family will greet friends from 6:30-8:00 that evening. Memorials have been established in Donald’s name for the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the funeral home P.O. Box 48, Wamego 66547.