Denzil Roll

Denzil “Denny” Roll – age 77, of Gallatin, MO, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 11th, 2019 at the Northwest Medical Center in Albany, MO.  Denny was born on February 13th, 1942, the son of C.C. and Lola (Pritchard) Roll in Centertown, MO.  He was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson City High School and then served in the Navy for four years in Alameda, CA.  Following his discharge, he returned to Jefferson City and became a Police Officer with the Jefferson City Police Department from 1964 to 1966.

On September 4, 1965, he married Sandy Denny, daughter of Bob & Bee Denny of Jefferson City.  In 1966 Denzil joined the Kansas City, MO Police Department.  He served two years in the K-9 Unit which used dogs for narcotic searches and felony apprehensions.  He later moved to patrol duty where on his watch risked his life to save a vehicle accident victim.  Denzil received an Award for Valor for his bravery.  Denzil retired from the Kansas City Police Department after 25 years of service. 

Denzil and Sandy owned and operated a small farm in Cass County for 20 years which was sold a year after his retirement when they returned to Jefferson City.  Denzil took a post with the Federal Courts in Jefferson City and was certified by the Department of Justice United States Marshals Service Training Academy in Louisiana in 1995.  Before leaving Jefferson City, Denzil was a member of the Masonic Lodge #43 and past Master.  Denzil was a hard worker who enjoyed farming and working outdoors.  He loved horses but especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

 Mr. Roll was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Morris Roll; brother, Leroy Roll; sister, Muriel Lampe; sister, Pauline Bedsworth; sister, Hazel Howard; sister, Flo Goodman; sister, Barbara Downing and sister, Iva Giraldes.  Those left to mourn his passing include wife, Sandy, of the home; daughter, Dawn (Dorsey) Embrey of Oak Grove, MO; son, Shawn (Jackie) Roll of King City, MO; sister, Naomi Hencey, Phoenix, AZ.; grandchildren, Coleman (Ernie) Embrey of Overland Park, KS, Barak (Savana) Embrey of Blue Springs, MO, Macey Embrey of Neosho, MO, Cindy (Dalton) Odneal of Blue Springs, MO, Cat Embrey of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Cosette and Lucy, and many nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration of Life” will be celebrated from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, June 29th at 36400 E. Colbern Road, Lone Jack, MO.  Arrangements are under the direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin.  Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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