Ray Rokey
| Date and Place of Birth: | March 24, 1917 Sabetha, KS |
| Date and Place of Death: | November 7, 1944 Belgium |
| Baseball Experience: | College |
| Position: | Outfield |
| Rank: | Captain |
| Military Unit: | 28th Infantry Division |
| Area Served: | European Theater of Operations |
Raymond R. Rokey spent his life maximizing opportunities and
giving - giving his best effort in all of his endeavors, giving his
cheerful demeanor to those around him, giving his time to be part of
community service activities, and giving his life so that others could
enjoy theirs.
Raymond Rokey Memorial Scholarship
Raymond R. Rokey was born on March 24, 1917 in Sabetha, Kansas, the
son of Oney and Minnie Rokey. He was the first in his family to attend
high school and the first to attend college when he enrolled at Kansas
State College of Agriculture and Applied Science in Manhattan (now known
as Kansas State University) in 1939. An outstanding all-around athlete,
he played football in 1940 and 1941 (quarterbacking the team in 1941),
was on the wrestling team in 1942, and played baseball in 1940, 1941 and
1942. In 1942, Rokey played centerfield, batted third in the lineup and
led the team with a .283 average (15 for 53).
In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Rokey was also an
exceptional student. He was selected as an outstanding student in
February 1942, served as vice president of the Student Council and held
the rank of lieutenant colonel with the compulsory ROTC battalion.
Upon graduation in 1942, Rokey received a regular army commission and
served with the 28th Infantry Division. Initially stationed at Camp
Livingston, Louisiana, he was sent to Camp Pickett, Virginia in August
1943 and was promoted to captain. On October 8, 1943, the 28th Infantry
Division sailed to England where they were involved in further training
before arriving in France in July 1944. Pretty soon the division was in
action against German forces steadily pushing the enemy north then
eastwards. On August 29, they paraded through the streets of Paris
before continuing the drive through France and Luxembourg to the German
border.
At the beginning on November 1944, the division was involved in the
Battle of Hurtgen Forest. On November 7, Captain Rokey died of wounds
received in combat. He is buried at the American Military Cemetery in
Henri-Chapelle, Belgium.
Beginning in 2004, a $5,000 Raymond Rokey Memorial Scholarship has been
presented by the Rokey family to a Sabetha High School senior who
“excels in athletic competition, achieves high academic standing in the
classroom and demonstrates leadership in school and community social
activities.”
In describing Ray Rokey, the scholarship says, “Raymond R. Rokey spent
his life maximizing opportunities and giving - giving his best effort in
all of his endeavors, giving his cheerful demeanor to those around him,
giving his time to be part of community service activities, and giving
his life so that others could enjoy theirs.
Ray left behind a legacy of true American heroism - he possessed
integrity, an inherent desire for duty, accomplishment and civic service
and the selflessness to put the needs of others before his own. Ray
Rokey exemplified scholarship, athleticism and leadership throughout his
life; similarly, the recipient of the Ray Rokey Memorial Scholarship
should encompass the same values and characteristics.”
Ray Rokey at the plate for K-State
Ray Rokey scores for the K-State baseball team
Sources:
Lawrence Daily Journal-World, Nov 15, 1941
Hutchinson News, Feb 7, 1942
Lawrence Daily Journal-World, May 11, 1942
Atchison Daily Globe, Nov 22, 1944
KSU Royal Purple Yearbooks 1942 to 1945
Raymond Rokey Memorial Scholarship
Thanks to Astrid van Erp for help with this biography
Date Added April 19, 2013. Updated September 19, 2017
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