January 15, 1951 – January 9, 2024
Roger was born on January 15th,1951, in Stockton, Missouri, to Gayle and Ethel (Yeokum) Tennis. He moved to La Cygne, KS, in 1952 and attended first grade then moved to Fontana, KS, in 1958.He attended Fontana Grade School and graduated from Fontana High School in the class of 1969. During these years, he made many lifelong friends.
On December 19,1969, Roger and Mary Lou Sharp were united in marriage at Fontana Methodist Church. They became parents to three children; Brian, Joy, and Jarie.
Roger worked for the Frisco/BNSF Railroad for 41 years until he retired in 2009.He also was a proud member of the Fontana Volunteer Fire Department for many years. In his younger years he enjoyed working on cars, and he learned to fix just about anything. He was always a hard worker, he drove a tractor and baled hay from a very young age. Before becoming ill with COPD, he really enjoyed going dancing and singing karaoke. He always had the best way of changing the words to songs and books to make them funny and exciting. He loved spending time with his family, watching KU basketball, and watching Chiefs football. Roger really loved gameshows and he could solve almost every puzzle on The Wheel of Fortune.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gayle and Ethel Tennis. Survivors include his wife Mary Tennis of 54 years; son Brian (Jamie) Tennis, daughter Joy (Chris) Epperson all of LaCygne, KS, daughter Jarie (Richie) Folsom of Gardner, KS; grandchildren, Katelynn Akes (Cody Adams), Nathan Akes (Megan Ecord), Chaz Epperson (Amy Clay-Thomas), Tanner (Erin) Epperson, Jayden (Aaron) Stross, Corey Tennis, Rhiannon and Laila Folsom; two great-grandchildren; Aertreyia and Magdelynn Adams; and a great-grandbaby Epperson on the way; siblings Gala Sharp, Jack Tennis, Linda Pearce, and Kathy Thompson; in-laws that are just like siblings to him, Betty (Dean) Marion, Peggy (Ken) Servos, Roger (Winnie) Sharp, Richard (Gala) Sharp, Carolyn Jenkins; as well as many so many cherished nieces and nephews. He was a friend to so many people from his school days, work, or just about anywhere. Roger will be remembered for being the most kind, caring person with the happiest smile. He instilled many great lessons and knowledge to his kids and grandkids that they will always remember.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Grady's Kids or Louisburg Baptist Temple Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary - Paola Chapel, 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.
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