Larry Randall Roda, of Munjor, an Air Force veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, one day after the proud patriot celebrated his last Memorial Day. He was 78 years old.
He was born in Russell, Kansas on October 27, 1945, the son of George W. and Mary Amanda (Ellis) Roda, and he made most of his lifelong friends growing up there. He enlisted in the military after graduating from high school and never neglected an opportunity to proudly recount the “4 years, 8 months and 29 days” he served before being honorably discharged to care for his family after his only brother, Doug, was killed in an accident. Larry served his country with great pride, continued to support his fellow vets throughout his life, and held his status as an Air Force veteran in high esteem; second only to the love of his life, “Seyona May,” who he spent 33 cherished years with.
After his honorable discharge, Larry worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and retired after spending 25 years (and one day) with UPS. His legacy extends far beyond his working years where he brightened countless lives, making friends along his familiar routes. He didn’t know a stranger, would lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and you knew you were loved by Larry if you were assigned a nickname from him.
Larry was a devoted husband who would do anything for his wife, “the little woman,” and cared for her until his dying day and loved his family, friends, and his beloved chocolate lab Sadie Marie immensely. He was an avid hunter, skilled trap shooter, loved drag racing, and gambling. Larry would immediately migrate to the high limits area the minute he walked through the casino doors. He did hit a few of those large jackpots, but mostly he would say with a smirk, “I donated.”
Larry was a tough old bird and lived his life with perseverance, strength, and courage – which he especially demonstrated during his valiant battle with cancer. We will miss his orneriness, one-of-a-kind sense of humor, unique lingo, spark for life, and the way he filled every room he entered with his larger-than-life personality.
Survivors include his wife Seyona of Munjor, two sons, Kevin Roda and wife Tracie of Baird, TX and Ky Roda of Texas, two daughters, Carla Flipse and husband Dave of Shawnee and Stacy Dittmer and husband Wesley of Parkville, MO, eight grandchildren, Kirk Allen Roda and wife Keri, Bryce Roda and wife Summer, Kody Roda and wife Makenzie, Kashe Roda, Catie Flipse, Lexi Flipse and fiancé Josh, Sidney Dittmer and Lauren Dittmer, five great grandchildren, and many cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Douglas Roda, and his beloved dog, Sadie Marie.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rick Griffin and Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until service time on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Humane Society of the High Plains, VFW Post #9076, or to Freedom Service Dogs of America. Condolences and memories of Larry may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com