Denzel A. Rybolt

Denzel A. Rybolt, 93, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Vintage Park. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Highland Cemetery with masonic services by Ottawa Lodge 18 and the United States Navy honor guard. Denzel was born Saturday, July 8, 1922, in Princeton, the son of Leroy James and Tessa Anna (Rowen) Rybolt. He was a lifelong Ottawa area resident except for his time in the Navy. Denzel served 20 years in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. During World War II he served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater. He was a gunner on a Navy bomber with Captain George Bush Sr. Among his awards and decorations he received the WWII Victory Medal, American Area ribbon, 3 stars Asiatic Pacific medal, Air medal with Air Crewman insignia, Good Conduct medal, Philippine Liberation medal with 2 stars and the Presidential Unit Citation medal, retiring as Chief Petty Officer 1st Class. Denzel was united in marriage with Patricia Irene McBath April 26, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. She preceded him in death September 6, 1999. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Tessa Rybolt; three brothers, Harry, Alfred, and James Rybolt; and sister, Ethel Louisa Rybolt. Survivors include his three children, Peggy Armstrong (John) of Ottawa, Richard Rybolt (Jane) of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Catherine Hobbs of Wichita; sister, Mary Alice Hintz of Ottawa; six grandchildren, Stacey Sipe (Michael) of Louisville, Kentucky, Derinda Lockard (Dennis) of Stella, Nebraska, Tammy Denise Christensen (Kevin) of Omaha, Nebraska, Brandi Armstrong of Ottawa, Gary Allen Hobbs (Tara Sage) of Topeka, and Keli Lyn Armstrong (Robert West) of Gas, Kansas; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He worked as a master electrician in commercial construction from the mid 1960’s until the late 1970’s with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, local union 226 of Topeka. He was a member and Past Master of Ottawa Lodge 18 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and in 1978, served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 13th district of Kansas Masons, and 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also a member of Abdullah Shrine Temple of Kansas City, Kansas, and the Franklin County Shrine Club. He was a member of Union Chapter 15 Order of Eastern Star, charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5901 both of Ottawa, and IBEW local union 226 of Topeka. Denzel enjoyed fishing, square dancing, fish fries, traveling, and above all his family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Denzel’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com