John S. Roach

John S. Roach, 90, Topeka, passed away on Friday, June 18, 2010 at a local hospital. John was born November 21, 1919 in Amarillo, TX, the son of Burton and Lida (Thompson) Roach. He graduated from Amarillo High School; received his Bachelors degree from Michigan State and his Masters degree from Kansas State University. John served in the U.S. Navy as a medic in the Pacific fleet during World War II. He served on the Blackfin and Caiman submarines. In his early years, John worked as a cowboy on his fathers ranch in New Mexico and also was a firefighter with the Los Alamos, NM Fire Department. He taught High School Mathematics in Galena, Westphalia and retired from the Nemaha Valley School District in Seneca. He was active in the Foster Grandparent program in Topeka. John married Deloris Dobkins on April 22, 1942 in Washington. D.C. She died May 4, 1993. Survivors include daughters, Jean Roach, Topeka, Theresa (Walter Boore) Roach, Clarkston, WA; son, John (Donna) Roach, Topeka; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Burton Roach, Jr., James Roach; and sister, Alma Stevens. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 21, 2010 at the Lowell Cemetery in Lowell, Kansas. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Drive, LL-15, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4029, Topeka, Kansas 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.