Roy Vernon Rathbun, age 78 of Ellis, Kansas passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 at HaysMed. He was born December 2, 1947 in Lincoln, Kansas to Vernon Roy and Madonna (Mastellar) Rathbun. He graduated from Barnard High School and then Fort Hays State University earning a bachelor’s degree. On March 29, 1969 he married Cheryl Louise Martin in Winfield, Kansas.
Roy was a proud US Army veteran serving in Vietnam as a Helicopter pilot. He worked many jobs throughout his working career primarily as owner of Roy’s Contracting where he specialized in home weatherization needs. He also worked as a Game Warden which he enjoyed. Roy was an avid and accomplished Trap Shooter. His many memberships involving trapshooting include the Hays City Sportsman’s Club where he was also a board member, North Central Kansas Trap League and the Kansas Trapshooting Association. Roy also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events, watching the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas University sports and loved old time Western’s on tv.
Survivors include his wife Cheryl of the home; a son Wes Rathbun and wife Kayla of Hays and their children, Carter, Kynlie and Knox; his daughter, Lisa Wood of Brookings, Oregon , and her children, Adrienne and Colby, and Adrienne’s children, Denver and Milo; two brothers, Randy Rathbun and wife Barbara of Barnard, Kansas and Rodney Rathbun and wife Sheila of Newton, Kansas.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026 with visitation starting at 10:00 AM until service time all at the Ellis United Methodist Church. Military Honors will follow services. Private family burial will be at a later date. After services are completed lunch will be provided at Dolce Vita Event Center in Ellis located at 203 E. 2nd street in Ellis.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hays City Sportsman’s Club or the Ellis United Methodist Church.
Sharing of memories and words of comfort may be shared on Roy’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes – Ellis Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.