Early Life in Sabetha, Kansas
Raymond R. Rokey was born on March 24, 1917, in Sabetha, Kansas, the fourth of five children of Oney S. and Minnie Dierking Rokey. He grew up in a close-knit family and community, where he quickly distinguished himself through his character, modesty, and work ethic. At Sabetha High School, Ray excelled in both academics and athletics, earning honors for scholarship and citizenship while playing football, basketball, and track. He placed among the top 10 in the Kansas State Scholarship Examination and even earned college credits while still in high school.
College Years and Athletic Achievements
After graduating from Sabetha High School in 1938, Ray enrolled at Kansas State College (now Kansas State University), supporting himself through a variety of jobs. He majored in agricultural economics and became one of the college’s most outstanding student-athletes and leaders.
On the football field, Rokey was a powerhouse guard. He earned three varsity letters, captained the team his senior year, and achieved several firsts for Kansas State: he was the first Sabetha native selected to the All Big-Six team, the first Wildcat guard to be named captain of that team, the first lineman chosen as a “Little All-American,” and the first to play in the prestigious East–West Shrine Game in San Francisco.
Beyond athletics, Rokey was deeply engaged in campus life. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the Agricultural Economics Club, the Aggie Council, the K-Club, and Alpha Zeta honorary fraternity. He was named Freshman Honor Man, listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and selected for the Blue Key honor society. His peers elected him Aggieville Representative for the Royal Purple yearbook and as a House and Senate Representative.
Ray graduated in 1942 with a degree in agricultural economics, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Commission and Stateside Service
In March 1942, upon graduation, Rokey was commissioned a second lieutenant through Kansas State’s ROTC program. His first assignment was with the 28th Infantry Division at Camp Livingston, Louisiana, where he sent letters and holiday greetings home to his family. By August 1943, he had transferred to Camp Pickett, Virginia, and earned promotion to captain. His quick rise in rank reflected both his natural leadership and the high regard of his superiors.
Overseas Deployment and Letters from the Front
In September 1943, Captain Rokey deployed to the European Theater of Operations with the 112th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division. Stationed in England and later in France, he continued to write home, his letters filled with encouragement and determination.
In one memorable letter from early 1944, Rokey compared the war to a football game, telling his parents, “We may have to kick from behind our goal line a time or two, but we have a pretty good kicker and eventually we will cross that midfield stripe, head for pay dirt, and go over with a BANG.” He praised General Dwight D. Eisenhower—the “Kansas Kid”—as the right man to lead the Allied effort, and even requested a small package of popcorn, lamenting that the English “sure don’t know what they are missing.”
The Hürtgen Forest and His Final Days
On November 5, 1944, during the brutal Hürtgen Forest Campaign along the German–Belgian border, Captain Rokey was leading his company in combat when he was gravely wounded. He died the following day, November 6, at the age of 27. The War Department telegrams, sent to his parents in Sabetha, reported first his injuries and later his death, without providing details. It was presumed his fatal wounds were sustained on or near German soil.
Captain Rokey’s death was a heavy blow to Sabetha, which remembered him as one of its finest sons—a man of ability, modesty, and dedication who gave his all in service to his country. For his sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
Return Home and Memorial Honors
Initially buried in the U.S. Military Cemetery at Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, Rokey’s remains were returned to Kansas in 1947. His casket, escorted by a fellow Army officer, arrived in Sabetha, where the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars provided full military honors. Former teammates, classmates, and townspeople gathered to pay their respects.
Ray Rokey’s brothers also served in World War II: Lt. Ned Rokey in Europe, Harvey on the home front near Corning, and cousins Bert and Eldon Rokey in the Pacific and European theaters, respectively. His sisters, Mrs. John Zug of Salina and Mrs. Vernon Kaul of Sabetha, joined the family in mourning and remembrance.
Legacy of Scholarship and Character
Captain Rokey’s legacy extended far beyond his service. In 2003, the Rokey Family Trust established the Ray Rokey Memorial Scholarship for Sabetha High School seniors, awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in athletics, academics, and citizenship. Like the man it honors, the scholarship seeks to recognize not just achievement, but also the character and leadership that define true greatness.
Conclusion
Captain Raymond R. Rokey’s life was a model of integrity, perseverance, and service. From the classrooms and football fields of Kansas to the forests of Europe, he lived with purpose and died with honor. His story endures as both inspiration and reminder—that freedom is secured by the sacrifice of individuals who gave, in the words of his era, “the last full measure of devotion.”
SOURCES
The Sabetha Herald
2 Dec 1942
page 1
Service Men’s Addresses
Pvt. Joseph D Rokey, Jr., ASN 37146678, 30th General Hospital, APO 514, Care of Postmaster, New York City
The Sabetha Herald
23 Dec 1942
page 1
In addition to the letters above, much appreciated greeting cards have been received from … Lt. Raymond Rokey of Camp Livingston, La.
The Sabetha Herald
3 Feb 1943
page 1
Service Men’s Addresses
Lt. Raymond Rokey, A.P.O. 23 Hdq Co 28th Div. Livingston, La.
Courier Tribune
2 Sep 1943
page 4
Raymond Rokey a Captain
Raymond Rokey, who is stationed at Camp Picket, Va. has been promoted from 1st lieutenant to captain. He entered the service from Manhattan State College about a year ago as a second lieutenant. Last spring he was made a lieutenant and now has been promoted to captain.
The Sabetha Herald
2 Feb 1944
Page 1
From Captain Raymond Rokey
Capt. Raymond Rokey writes from a New York overseas address, to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Rokey the following:
Today has been a wonderful day because I finally got some mail again. The first for some time.
The best news I could possibly get was that you are well and happy, waiting patiently as you must for us to return. Just when that will be is really not important. What is more importance is that that day will come eventually.
The British are not doing to badly by us. they still seem glad that we are here. We are all happy of the selection of “Ike” the Kansas Kid to leas us in the big show. We believe that he is the man to do the job. And don’t let anyone fool you into thinking it isn’t one big job. I don’t believe you folks back home really realize what it is actually going to cost. Don’t worry we’ll do it alright. We may have to kick from behind our goal line a time or two, but we have a pretty good kicker and eventually we will cross that midfield stripe, head for pay dirt, and go over with a BANG. It is a great game, it is getting a lot of press notices and the largest crowd ever will be waiting to hear the outcome. We won’t have many spectators due to transportation difficulties, but I’m positive the game will be just as well played in their absence.
Say if it wouldn’t be too much trouble you might send me a small package of popcorn. I’m hungry for some right now. these English people don’t know what it is, they sure don’t know what they are missing.
May 1944 give to us those things we have been working through 41, 42 and 43.
The Sabetha Herald
22 Nov 1944
page 1
Men in the Service
Capt. Ray Rokey Dies from Combat Wounds
Capt. Raymond Rokey, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Rokey of Sabetha, died November 6 as a result of wounds received in combat in the European Theater of Operations, November 5. It is indicated by telegrams from the War Department received by his parents here. The first telegram, telling of Capt. Rokey’s being wounded, was received here Saturday, November 18. The telegram reporting his death was received Monday, November 20. No details were given, the telegrams following the usual form in such cases. It is presumed that his fatal injuries were received in combat on or near German soil. His location in the current European campaigns was, of course, now known.
Though it is impossible to know what happened. Sabethans will agree that the finest of Sabetha’s fighting men are those who have been taken in this world conflict. Ray Rokey was an infantry officer. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in March, 1942, following an outstanding record of leadership as an ROTC cadet at Kansas State College, Manhattan. His activities in athletics, both high school and college, and in K State agriculture and social activities impressed all who knew him with the fact that he was modest as well as able. These characteristics, pre-requisites for the sort of leadership he exhibited in his army career, made his advancement certain, his contributions to the fight for freedom important.
His first station in the army was Camp Livingston, La. In August 1943, he was sent to Camp Picket, Va. It was at this time he received his promotion to Captain. He went overseas in September 1943.
His brother, Lt. Ned Rokey, is with a combat outfit also somewhere in the European Theater of Operations. Another brother, Harvey Rokey, lives at Corning. HE has two sisters, Mrs. John Zug of Salina and Mrs. Vernon Kaul of Sabetha. Pvt. Bert Rokey, somewhere in the southwest Pacific, and Cpl. Eldon Rokey, with a Military Police company int he European theater, are double cousins.
Capt. Ray Rokey’s death again brings home to Sabetha the hard realities of war. His sacrifice muse be an inspiration, lest his ideals and those of the town adn the nation be lost. How little anyone else can give in comparison!
The Sabetha Herald
29 Oct 1947
page 1
To Hold Military Funeral for Capt. Raymond Rokey
Accompanied by individual military escort, the remains of the late Capt. Raymond R. Rokey, which have arrived at the port of New York, will be delivered to the final destination in the near future, the American Graves Registration Distribution Center, Kansas City Quartermaster Depot, has informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oney S. Rokey of Sabetha.
When the remains of the deceased are ready to be forwarded to Sabetha from the distribution center at Fort Leavenworth, the Popkess Funeral Home, representing the family will be notified by telegram as to routing, scheduled time of arrival and name of the military escort. The military escort will be from the same branch of the service as the deceased and of comparable rank.
Military services will be conducted jointly by the Sabetha posts of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, under the command of Fred Dienstbier, V.F.W. commander.
The Sabetha Herald
19 Nov 1947
page 1
Services for Ray Rokey to Be Held Thursday
The remains of Capt. Raymond Rokey, who lost his life int he European theatre during the war, will arrive at the union Pacific station this Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by military escort, and will be escorted to the Popkess funeral home by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Brief services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and the cortege will be escorted by members of the two veterans’ organizations the the cemetery, where graveside military rites will be conducted under command of Fred Dienstbier, V.F.W.
Ray Rokey was commanding officer of an infantry company int he ETO on Nov. 5, 1944, when his received wounds that resulted in his death two days later. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in March, 1942, following an outstanding record of leadership as an ROTC cadet at Kansas State College, Manhattan. HE was an excellent athlete both at Sabetha High School and at college, and was active in social, cultural, and scholastic pursuits. But Sabethans remember Ray particularly because he was friendly and modest — generous but fair — the sort of person who met his athletic opponents with all of his energies, but with sportsmanship.
He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Rokey. His brother, Ned, was also an office who saw combat duty in the ETO, and now is continuing his education at Kansas State College. Another brother, Harvey Rokey, lives south of Sabetha. Mrs. John Zug of Salina and Mrs. Vernon Kaul of Sabetha are sisters. Bert Rokey and Eldon Rokey of Sabetha are double cousins.
_____________
Patty Locher Articles
The Sabetha Herald
August 6, 2003
Rokey supported self through college, was graduated 1942
Raymond R. Rokey was born in Sabetha on March 24, 1917, the fourth of five children born to Oney S. Rokey and Minnie Dierking Rokey.
He attended Sabetha High School where he was recognized for his achievements in academics and athletics. In high school, Ray excelled in football, basketball and track, and was selected for excellence in citizenship. He earned 15 credit hours of high school through the University of Nebraska, as well as credits from Washburn University and other A.C. institutions, and did correspondence work from Kansas University.
Rokey graduated from Sabetha High School in 1938.
He worked various jobs while attending Kansas State University. He played freshman football in 1938 and graduated in 1942 with a major in agricultural economics. While at K-State, he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the Agricultural Economics Club, the Aggie Council, the K-Club, Alpha Zeta honorary fraternity, and the YMCA.
Ray was recognized as Freshman Honor Man and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and was selected for Blue Key, KSU men’s honor society. He was the Aggieville Representative for the Royal Purple, and House and Senate Representative, and a student member of the KSU Student Union Building Foundation.
At K-State, Ray lettered three years in football and was captain in his senior year. He was the first K-State football player from Sabetha to be selected for the All Big-Six team, the first Wildcat guard ever named captain of the All Big-Six team, the first lineman to win the coveted “Little All-American” award, and the first to play in the East-West Shrine game in San Francisco.
He was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1942 and assigned to Camp Livingston, La. He transferred to Camp Pickett, Va., in 1943, was promoted to captain, and went overseas in September 1943.
Capt. Rokey was commanding a company in the 28th Infantry Division’s 112th Infantry Regiment when he was mortally wounded in the Hürtgen Forest Campaign, and he died Nov. 6, 1944, in Belgium.
RAYMOND R. ROKEY 1917–1944
Ray Rokey memorial scholarship established
The new Ray Rokey Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Rokey Family Trust in memory of Capt. Ray Rokey who, in November 1944, died as a result of injuries received in combat in the European theater during World War II.
This page is a tribute to Ray Rokey, a man of character who, according to this year’s Manhattan Mercury Hall of Fame, “For unpretentious scholarship, athletic talent and leadership throughout his life.”
Capt. Ray Rokey dies from combat wounds
(The following article was published on page one of the Sabetha Herald, Nov. 22, 1944 and was reprinted in the Manhattan Mercury Hall of Fame edition of Oct. 18, 1985.)
Capt. Raymond Rokey, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Rokey of Sabetha, died Monday, Nov. 6, 1944, as a result of wounds received in combat in the European theater of operations Nov. 5, according to telegrams from the War Department received by his parents here.
The first telegram, bearing news of his being wounded, was received here Saturday, Nov. 18. The telegram reporting his death was received Monday, Nov. 20.
No details were given, the telegrams following the usual form in such cases. It is presumed that his fatal injuries were received in combat on or near German soil. His location in the current European campaigns was, of course, not known.
Though it is impossible to know what happened, Sabethans will agree that the finest of Sabetha’s fighting men are those who have been taken in this world conflict. Ray Rokey was an infantry officer. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in March 1942 following an outstanding record of leadership as an ROTC cadet at Kansas State College, Manhattan.
His activities in athletics, both high school and college, and in K-State agriculture and social activities impressed all who knew him with the fact that he was modest as well as able. These characteristics, prerequisites for the sort of leadership he exhibited in his army career, made his advancement certain.
His first station was Camp Livingston, La. In August 1943, he was sent to Camp Pickett, Va., where he received his promotion to captain. He went overseas in September 1943.
His brother, Lt. Ned Rokey, is with a combat outfit also somewhere in the European Theater of Operations. Another brother, Harvey Rokey, lives south of Sabetha. His sisters are Mrs. John Zug of Salina and Mrs. Vernon Kaul of Sabetha. Pvt. Bert Rokey, somewhere in the southwest Pacific, and Cpl. Eldon Rokey, with a military police company in the European theater, are double cousins.
Ray Rokey has made the hard realities of war. His sacrifice must be an inspiration, lest his ideals and those of the nation be lost. How little anyone else can give in comparison.
John Denton, Harry Wherry, Ray Rokey, Charles Aschenliman
War Department — Washington
January 9, 1945
My Dear Mrs. Rokey:
The President desires me to extend his deep sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Captain Raymond Rokey. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives and through it he lives — in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(signed) Henry L. Stimson
Secretary of War
Mrs. Minnie Rokey,
Sabetha, Kansas.
Purple Heart (posthumous) award letter from Secretary of War Henry Stimson
Ray Rokey maximized opportunities, earned academic honors
By Carolyn Romamo
First Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Raymond R. Rokey spent his life making opportunities and giving of his dreams, giving his all and giving his life in defense of liberty in the service to his country.
He grew up in Kansas and enjoyed high school sports, academics and other activities.
While in high school, Rokey placed among the top 10 in the Kansas State Scholarship Examination, played football, basketball and track, and was selected for excellence in citizenship.
He worked throughout his school years to support himself financially.
In 1938 Rokey enrolled at Kansas State University and continued to excel in sports and academics. He was a member of the A.C., Intramural Sports, K-Club, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and the Agriculture Economics Club. He was recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and was named for Blue Key, KSU’s men’s honor society. He was the Aggieville Representative for the annual Royal Purple and House and Senate Representative, and a student member of KSU Student Union Building Foundation.
A K-State football letterman in his freshman year, Ray lettered three years in football and was captain in his senior year. He was the first K-State football player from Sabetha to be selected for the All Big-Six team, and the first Wildcat guard ever named captain of the All Big-Six team. He was the first lineman to win the coveted “Little All American” award, and the first to play in the East-West Shrine game in San Francisco.
Following graduation in 1942 with a degree in agricultural economics, Rokey accepted a regular Army infantry commission as a 2nd lieutenant.
Rokey was assigned to Camp Livingston, La., in 1942; in 1943 he transferred to Camp Pickett, Va., where he was promoted to captain before being shipped to the European Theater of Operations in September 1943.
He commanded a company in the 28th Infantry Division’s 112th Infantry Regiment.
Ray Rokey Memorial Scholarship award criteria
The Rokey Family Trust has established the Ray Rokey Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship’s $500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school senior graduating with the Class of 2000, or later, in Sabetha High School, who best exemplifies high accomplishments in athletics in high school competition, outstanding achievements in academics and citizenship in school and community social activities.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Athletics: Competition in a single, dual or triple sports. Excellence in any or all to be considered.
- Academics: Criteria is not based on academic grades, GPA, honors, scholarships; criteria is founded on attitude, discipline and dedication to achievement.
- Activities: The applicant should demonstrate involvement in school and community activities and leadership roles.
The applicant may be eligible to receive the scholarship during his or her attendance at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University only.
Scholarship Awarding Process:
- The Principal of Sabetha High School will designate three candidates for consideration.
- These candidates will be interviewed by the Rokey Family Trust (or designated trustees).
- The final selection will be made by the Trust.
Local memorial service for Rokey included military honor guard, K-State colleagues
(The following article was published in the Sabetha Herald, Nov. 19, 1947.)
The remains of Capt. Raymond Rokey, who lost his life in the European theater during the war, will arrive at the Union Pacific station this Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by military escort, and will be escorted to the Popkess Funeral Home by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Brief services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, and the cortege will be escorted by members of the two veterans’ organizations to the cemetery, where graveside military rites will be conducted under the command of Fred Dienstbier, V.F.W. commander.
Ray Rokey was commanding officer of an infantry company in the ETO on Nov. 5, 1944, when he received wounds that resulted in his death two days later.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in March 1942, following an outstanding record of leadership as an ROTC cadet at Kansas State College, Manhattan. He was an excellent athlete both at Sabetha High School and college and was active in social, cultural, and scholastic pursuits. Sabethans remember Ray particularly because he was friendly and modest—generous but fair—the sort of person who met his athletic opponents with all of his energies but with sportsmanship.
He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Rokey. His brother, Ned, was also an officer who saw combat duty in the ETO, and now is continuing his education at Kansas State College. Another brother, Harvey Rokey, lives south of Sabetha. Mrs. John Zug of Salina and Mrs. Vernon Kaul of Sabetha are sisters. Bert Rokey and Eldon Rokey of Sabetha are double cousins