Kenneth Earl Roper

Kenneth E. Roper, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at his home.

Kenneth Earl Roper was born June 27, 1942, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Kenneth Marvin and Dorothy (Marshall) Roper. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1960. Ken served our country in the United States Air Force.

Ken was a professional golfer with his career starting in the Pacific Northwest; he had a18 year career competing in Oregon and Washington State. In which, he played in 22 national championship tournaments. His victories included the Iowa Senior Open and the PGA Midwest Section Senior Championship. He moved back to Kansas to be the lead golf pro at the Lawrence Country Club for 5 years. He would move to Emporia to be a golf pro at Emporia Municipal Golf Course. He was also the Emporia State golf coach in the late 80’s. He was also a long-time basketball referee.

He was joined in marriage to Paula Jo Bugner-Gilroy on August 6, 1988, at Lake Kahola.

Ken was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Professional Golf Association.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Roper of the home; two daughters, Penny (Kevin) Stous of Topeka and Keyna Bugner of Ellensburg, Washington; three sons, Bill (Leann) Roper of Indian Head Park, Illinois, Ken F. (Mika) Roper of Lawrence, Kansas, and Michael Roper of Topeka; a sister: Jeannie Ransom of Topeka

Three grandchildren: Eyavn (Josh) Hall, Zach (Julie) Roper, Nichol (David) Benson and two great-grandchildren, August Benson and Holly Benson; along with many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emporia Youth Golf Program and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.