Roger Emerson Whitcomb

Roger Emerson Whitcomb, lived and died serving his family, his country and his God. He was a devoted family man, a longtime church member and an inspiration to his friends and family. He will always be loved and he will always be missed. Roger was born in Indiana in 1915 and moved to Wichita with his family when he was seven years old. He went to school in Wichita and graduated from Wichita University in 1937 with a BA/BS degree and an ROTC Army commission. He then served his country for 34 years in the US Army on active duty and reserve and retired as commander of the 89th Army Division with the rank of Brigadier General. Roger was a veteran of WWII and landed at Utah Beach in the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-day plus 7 and commanded a POW camp for the Allies in France for two years. After the war, he became a business leader in the community and managed several business office buildings such as the Union Center Building and the College Hill Medical Tower. Roger married Evelyn Hunter Whitcomb, whom he met at church in Wichita. He used his talents to support her activities of public speaking, entertaining, speeches and church activities. Roger was a devoted family man. Alongside his wife of 53 years, they raised two sons, all the while encouraging their professional careers. He was very proud of his sons accomplishments and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a talented musician, playing the piano throughout his life at social events, programs and many church-related activities. He was a member of College Hill United Methodist Church and the Double Circle Sunday School Class and was piano accompanist for their singing at events, dinners and class for many years. Throughout his life, Roger was also an active volunteer with Kiwanis, Knife and Fork Club, the Red Cross and McConnell Air Force Base. Roger Whitcomb died at the age of 99 years on April 26, 2014. Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 1, Downing Lahey Mortuary West, 10515 West Maple. Services will be 10 a.m., Friday, May 2, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Roger was preceded in death by parents, Verna K. (Estep) and Russell A. Whitcomb; brothers, Norman E. and Loren Whitcomb; wife, Evelyn (Hunter) Whitcomb. Survivors: children, Randall K. Whitcomb (Judy), Ronald E. Whitcomb (Kathy); grandchildren, Grant C., Libby E., Nicole L.; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Cole, Violet and Madelyn. Memorials have been established with American Red Cross, P.O. Box 3726, Wichita, KS 67201 and the Evelyn Hunter Whitcomb Memorial Scholarship Speech Fund, c/o Southwestern College, 100 College St., Winfield, KS 67156.