Thomas “Tom” Andrew Rokey, 63, of Fairview, Kansas, formerly of Sabetha, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Throughout his illness, Tom was surrounded by the love and support of his family. He participated in two clinical trials, contributing to research that could help improve treatments for future cancer patients. His resilience, determination and curiosity were qualities that defined his life.
Tom was born December 4, 1962, at Sabetha Community Hospital, the son of Robert and Loree (Moser) Rokey. He graduated from Sabetha High School in 1981 and married Rebecca “Becky” Joyce Plattner on August 10, 1985. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in Feed Science and Management.
Together, Tom and Becky raised three daughters, Erin, Gina and Laura.
Tom spent 15 years working at KSi Conveyors in Sabetha. During the final 16 months of his life, he enjoyed working at his daughter Erin's medical software company.
A man of endless curiosity, Tom had interests ranging from anthropology and economics to architecture and manufacturing. He enjoyed learning how things worked and was even happier when he could build or improve something himself.
He rarely passed up an opportunity to explore a thrift store or flea market, often searching for unusual grilling equipment or materials for his latest invention. Among his many creations was a homemade earth oven, insulated with glass bottles and patched with clay from the yard, which became a centerpiece of memorable family meals.
Tom also enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, from brewing and preparing adventurous dishes to making homemade bread and cheese. Family meals were often complemented by his son-in-law Tim's cured meats from Bern Meat and Becky's apple galettes.
His love of Sabetha and its history ran deep. A faithful reader of The Sabetha Herald, Tom had an extraordinary knowledge of local families, community connections and the surrounding landscape. Like his father, he could identify trees, knew the many corners of Sabetha Lake and kept track of the best elderflower patches around town.
Above all, Tom treasured his family. He enjoyed traveling to Maryland to visit Laura and her family and working alongside Gina at Glacial Hills. Family trips to Florida, Colorado, Vermont, Quebec and Cancun created memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Loree Rokey, and his sister, Sheila Kay Strahm.
Survivors include his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Joyce Rokey; three daughters, Erin Rokey (Adam Strom), Gina Miller (Tim) and Laura Powers (Chris); three grandchildren, Wren Loree, Emerson Ann and Arthur Thomas; his brother, Kerry Robert Strahm (Joe); and his sister, Jill Rebecca McCrae (Scott).
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at NorthRidge Church in Sabetha.
There will be no visitation, in accordance with the family's wishes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Homeward Bound, a nonprofit feline advocacy organization founded by Tom's daughter Gina Miller, or COLONTOWN, an online support community for colorectal cancer patients, survivors and care partners.
Donations may be made online at Homeward Bound or COLONTOWN.
Condolences may be shared online at Popkess Mortuaries.
