Howard M. Roe

Howard M. Roe, 78, of Topeka, died peacefully November 10, 2007 surrounded by his family. Howard was born August 23, 1929 to Howard I. and Blanche (Qualls) Roe in Kansas City Missouri. Howard was raised in Kansas City Missouri and attended Kansas City schools and later attended college at the University of Missouri of KC. He married Pamela Drake on July 30, 1949. in Kansas City Missouri. Howard also served in US Army during WWII and during the Korean War. Howard began a successful 45 year career in the travel plaza industry in 1962 as a Standard Oil licensed dealer in Olathe Kansas at what is now 119th and I-35. He later founded and built the renowned BETO Junction Travel Plaza which opened January 5, 1976. Howard faithfully served this industry in many capacities including chairing the National Association of Truckstop Operators during 1970-1971; and testified before congress on fuel and taxation issues in the mid 1970s. His record of testimony can be found in the national congressional record. He was also member of the Scottish Rite Shrine of Kansas City. Howard is survived by his loving wife Pamela Roe; son, Michael Roe; daughter and son-in-law, Teri R. and Kirk Williams; and 4 grandchildren, Kyle , Darby, Gabrielle, and Reesa Williams. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Howard will lie in state at the funeral home from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 837 S. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67211 To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com