Paul Joseph Rolá

Paul Joseph Rolá, 85 years of age, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening, May 9, 2023, at Menorah Hospital in Overland Park, KS, with his beloved wife, Julie, his dear son, Graham, and his dear granddaughter, Jenna, beside him. In the last few years, Paul courageously fought against illness until May 9.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, October 22, 1937at St. John’s Hospital to Earl Philip and Esther Lee (Faris) Rola, he attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis and attended Drury College - Springfield, Missouri before later attending Washington University – St. Louis. Paul had three children with his first wife, Sylvia Street. Their children are Michelle Suzanne, Graham Kent, and Angelique Roxanne. He began working for John Deere Company – St. Louis in 1960. John Deere Company transferred Paul from St. Louis to John Deere Company – Kansas City in 1971 as Complete Goods Supervisor. His family relocated to Overland Park, Kansas in 1972. Two promotions later, Paul became the Manager of Distribution at John Deere Company – Kansas City in 1981 and continued in that position until retirement from Deere in May of 1986. During his years in management, Paul was devoted to employees working in his department; he supported them tirelessly for their crucial role in department success. Soon after retiring, Paul began his own business, Finish and Furniture Fixer and operated his business until 2003. Paul and Julie Roberts, saw each other at dear friends’ New Year’s Eve party of 1989. Paul and Julie married December 8, 1990, in Kansas City, Missouri. Their married life began in Grandview, Missouri. When Paul was invited to guest lecture at the University of Kansas; he chose the topic of the importance of choosing words carefully in order to communicate most clearly to his audience. He emphasized the importance of considering the experiences of listeners and readers in their interpretation of his chosen words. In January 2006, Paul and Julie moved to the historic Brookside neighborhood – Kansas City. They believed their Brookside block contained the best neighbors ever. After retiring from Deere, Paul volunteered in various organizations, often assuming leadership roles. He especially valued membership and subsequent leadership of Greater Kansas City Democracy for America (GKCDFA). Paul and Julie enjoyed involvement in both social and political activism.

Paul enjoyed music immensely and played guitar and sang from youth onward. Not only did he play and sing music, usually folk, but he also wrote and sang original songs. Paul’s longtime love of words led to a pursuit of writing poetry in the 2000s. His poems often featured the wonders of nature and still more often, his observations of friends, family, and neighbors. He frequently read his poems and other writings at local gatherings of poets or privately to his family and friends.

A lifelong appreciation of nature provided Paul with never-ending pleasure: family trips to Florida, fishing expeditions as often as could be made to happen, growing flowers and food in his own garden, visits to botanical gardens, sunrises, sunsets, clouds – especially buttermilk, gentle breezes (but only the mildest, gentlest variety), porch spider mascot, and so many other joys provided by Mother Nature.

Paul delighted in time shared with his family, counting time shared with his children, grandchildren, and in-laws as the most important blessings of his full life. He so thoroughly enjoyed time shared with friends and neighbors. Whether work or personal relationships, Paul was selflessly and always kindly committed to serving others. Besides this, he never tired of simply observing others about him, whether from his front porch or anywhere else for that matter.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Michelle. Paul is survived by his wife, Julie Rolá; children: Graham Kent Rolá (Maria) of Overland Park, Kansas, Angie Way (Jeff) of Wesley Chapel, Florida; grandchildren: Chantel Way, Michael Way, Jenna Rolá, and Ethan Rolá; great grandchildren: Ezra Way and Asher Perez; his cherished brother, Phil (Rosie) Rolá; nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Janet (Jerry) Copeland, brother-in-law, Jon (Linda) Roberts, brother-in-law, Joe (Lin) Roberts and extended as well as blended family members.

A Private Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held later. Please contact the family for more details.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy or the charity of your choice.

Condolences and memories may be left on this site.