Harold Estes Obituary

Harold Eugene Estes, affectionately known as Gene, passed away peacefully at his home in Ottawa, Kansas on July 8, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. He was 93 years old.
Gene was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1931, in Jacksonville, Illinois. His life was one marked by dedication, hard work, and deep love for his family and community. On December 30, 1948 Gene joined the United States Army at Phoenixville, Pennsylvania the Valley Forge Army Depot. He served during the Korean War. He was discharged at the rank of PFC on October 18, 1952 at Phoenixville, Pennsylvania the Valley Forge Army Depot.
Over the years, Gene worked for several companies including Meadow Gold Ice Cream, Wintersheidt Milling, Oxford Chemical, and Arrow Stage Lines. He found his calling as a tour bus driver for Couch USA, where he made lasting memories and friendships while helping others explore the country he loved.
On January 16, 1971, Gene married the love of his life, Joyce Roeder, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, Kansas. Their union was a true partnership that lasted over 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and shared adventure.
A proud and faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa, Gene was also active in several veteran organizations. He was a long-standing member of the Eagles, the VFW in Ottawa, and the American Legion in both Topeka-faithfully serving in the Legion for 62 years.
Gene found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved camping in the great outdoors, splitting wood with care and satisfaction, and above all, spending time with his grandchildren-whom he adored and delighted in.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Douglas, David and Mary Ann Emmons. A grandson Robert.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Joyce of the home, his children Sheila (Korey) Klover of Salina, Kansas, Stanton (Anita) Estes of Ottawa, Jewell Rollinger of Mesquite, Nevada, Carol Ann Estes and Tami Gavin both of Round Roch Texas. Grandchildren, Celese, Trisha, Russell, John, Robert, Addison, Briley and Casson, great-grandchildren Jaden, Abby, Stella, Avery and Morgan.
A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca; The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00AM. The burial will be with military honors at the Church cemetery in Seneca.
Memorials may be left to Franklin County Cancer Foundation, 215 S Main Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067; sent in care of the family.