He was born August 19, 1928, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Roland Doty, Sr., and Bess Martin Doty. At age two, he, his parents, and sisters, Betty and Margie, moved to Kansas City. He graduated from Southwest High School and attended University of Kansas City. In 1950, he graduated Park College and joined the Air Force. He earned a Master’s degree from Kansas State and became an archivist at Eisenhower Library, later returning to Kansas City as an Air Force historian.
Roland was an avid chess player, model railroad enthusiast, and ballroom dancer. His favorite partner, Martha, became his wife. Caring by nature, Roland was an active volunteer in Youth Friends, Meals on Wheels, Whole Person, nursing homes, and a peace movement during the Cold War. They enjoyed friendships in ballroom dancing and at Colonial Presbyterian Church with its Prime Timers. He and Martha travelled the world.
Roland’s family includes his wife, Martha, and her daughters, Susan and Julie; his son David (Penny); grandchildren Kylie, Cooper, Carson, Koby, Erin, Devin and Ali; and nieces, nephews and friends who were like family.
If you knew Roland, please join the family in a joyous celebration of his life on Monday, November 12 at Mt. Moriah. Visitation, 10 am, Service, 11 am; reception and interment follow.
A scholarship is being planned in his name for the Kansas City Public Schools.