Roy Dean “Bucket” Hargitt, 59 years old, of Quinter, KS, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Roy was born in Oakley, KS on June 27, 1960. He graduated from Quinter High School in 1978. After high school, Roy joined the United States Marine Corps. His unit was G 2/7 Wpns Plt 1st Mar Div., where his specialty was Machine Gunner. Many fellow Marines admired him. A member of his unit described Roy as the type of person who would help others during military exercises by offering motivational words, water, or even volunteer to carry their gear for them as well as his own. While serving, he received the Rifle Marksman Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Mast, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. After achieving the rank of Corporal, the commanding officer of Roy’s unit asked him to re-enlist in the Marines. Rather than make the military his career, Roy came back to Quinter in August of 1982, where he decided to settle down and establish roots.
Roy met a cute, little, redheaded waitress at the Q-Inn soon after his return to Kansas. He was united in marriage to Nadine (Pfeifer) Hargitt on December 22nd, 1984. They were married 35 years. To this union, they had 4 kids – Jenny (Sweet Pea, Jacob (Spud, Jordon (Jo-Don, and Jayna (Pojo). He took great pride in each of his children. He enjoyed going on vacations with his family to ride ATVs at the sand dunes in Waynoka, Oklahoma. In 2012, he received the honor of becoming a grandpa with the birth of his first grandchild, Harper. He was then blessed with the addition of 2 grandsons, Rhys and Ryker. He loved spending time with each of his 3 grandkids.
Each of Roy’s children had their own place in his heart as he showed great interest in participating in all of their individual happenings. Whether it was schoolwork, sports, music, mechanical work, Scouts, dance, outdoor fun, or other various activities, Roy was enthusiastic about being physically present and involved for each one of his kids. He cherished the moments of passing along his knowledge for their own growth and development. Roy loved having a large extended family and he always made time to see his parents and siblings.
Roy was well-known for his strong work ethic, his willingness to lend a hand without being asked, his big smile, and kind heart. He also enjoyed making people laugh with occasional practical jokes, driving his Jeep, taking trips on his motorcycle, and spending time with his dogs, Grunt and Greta. Drivers passing by on Castle Rock Road would frequently give a friendly honk when they saw him working in the garage and would often stop by for extensive conversations.
Roy is survived by his wife Nadine; parents Merle and Dotty Hargitt of Quinter; his children Jenny (Hargitt) Nicholl and husband Conor of Hays, KS, Jacob Hargitt and fiancée Alexandria Russell of WaKeeney, KS, Jordon Hargitt and wife Jacee of Fort Collins, CO, and Jayna Hargitt and partner Andrew Theimer of Levant, KS; grandchildren Harper Nicholl of Hays, and Rhys and Ryker Russell of WaKeeney; siblings Maryle (Hargitt) Albin and husband Tom of Nashville, TN, Mona (Hargitt) Stewart and husband Tom of Quinter, Randall Hargitt and wife Rita of Quinter, Wendall Hargitt and wife Gina of Quinter, and Neil Hargitt and wife JoEva Hargitt of Arnold, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial services Military honors are pending and will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a “Roy Hargitt Memorial Fund” at the Golden Plains Credit Union. Donations to the memorial may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.