Wesley A. Rozell

Wesley A. Rozell, 94, of Arkansas City, KS, passed away January 15, 2020.

 Wesley was born to Steve and Ruth (Chase) Rozell on October 15, 1925 in Hardy, OK. Wesley was the fourth of six children. He attended schools in Hardy, Kaw City and Newkirk, OK.  He grew up in rural Oklahoma often working for various farmers and ranchers as a teenager to earn money.  He was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1943, leaving the final semester of his senior year to go on active duty. He shipped out for Italy around October of 1944 and served with the 473rd Infantry Regiment through two campaigns in Italy.  He qualified for the Combat Infantry Badge and was awarded two Purple Hearts for combat wounds sustained in WWII. In the early 1950’s, he began working for the Santa Fe Railroad.  He served as his union representative for a term and worked as a Conductor and other various jobs for the Railroad until his retirement in 1987.

He married Isabell “Billie” Gragg in 1970 and was married until her passing in 2015. Together they operated Rozell’s Ceramic Shop in Arkansas City for many years. They enjoyed various outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and camping. They were members of the First United Methodist Church in Arkansas City. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family most of all.

Wesley was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Ruth Rozell, wife, Isabell “Billie” Rozell, two brothers, Merl and Bobbie Lee, two sisters, Marie and Shirley.  He is survived by brother, Wayne of Colorado; children Ken Gragg of Arkansas City, Harriet Laymon and husband Bill of Edmond, Ok and James Rozell of Arkansas City; Grandchildren Tonya Laymon of OKC, Eric Laymon of Edmond, OK; Allison Rozell of Tacoma, Washington, Lauren and Bethany Rozell of Arkansas City; Great Grandchildren Sydney, Savannah and Reagan Laymon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be on Tuesday, January 21 at 2:00 P.M. at Shelley Family Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.  The family will greet friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 20 at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Wesley’s name with the Disabled American Veterans.  Contributions can be made through the funeral home. 

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