Roy D. Metcalf

Roy peacefully passed away at home on Saturday, January 18 with family by his side.

Life for Roy began when he was born at home on February 3, 1944, near Kent State University. He walked down the street to kindergarten at Franklin Hall and eighteen years later attended his last accounting class in Franklin Hall in a room directly above where his education began.

While at Kent State he met his wife, Susan (Kreps). Together they enjoyed all that college life offered. On June 25, 1966, they began a marriage that would continue for almost fifty-four years.  Susan survives him as well as two sons.  Roy was very proud of his “boys” Matthew (Amanda) of Kent and Todd (Jessica) of St. George, VT. He was “Grampy” to his beloved grandson William.

Roy is also survived by his sisters Ann Lee Gamble (Hudson), Pat Wilson (Kent), and Ellie Wiant (Grand Island, NY). His large family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many friends also remain to fondly remember him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Prof. Roy D. Metcalf and Adele Metcalf and his sister Adelaine Koyle.  Several brothers-in-law and special friends have passed and will greet Roy and share some laughs and good memories.

Roy graduated from Kent State University High School in 1962. He continued his education at KSU and graduated in 1967 with a degree in accounting. In college he was active on campus and was president of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

During his senior year at KSU, the head of the accounting department approached Roy and asked if he would like to work part time using his accounting knowledge at Colonial Machine Company in Kent. Thus began a career that lasted forty-two years. He retired in 2009 as co-owner and CEO of Colonial Machine. He often spoke of the many fine employees he knew at Colonial.

Roy was involved in organizations pertaining to the machine trades. He served in the Ohio National Guard 112th Engineering Battalion. He was a past member of the Kent Jaycees and the Kent Chamber of Commerce. He was treasurer of the chamber during the 1970s.

For many years Roy was an active member of Twin Lakes Country Club. He served several terms on the board as treasurer and president of the club. Many friendships and golfing memories began there. While a boat owner on Lake Erie, Roy spent sun-filled days fishing and entertaining family and friends. He was a member and a “commodore” of the local “Earlville Yacht Club.”

Through the years Roy and Sue enjoyed many trips with family and friends. They traveled extensively throughout the United States and the Caribbean. For over forty years, winter vacations were spent on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Arrangements for Roy have been made by Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 West Main Street in Kent.  Visitation will be on Friday, January 24 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. There will be a family reunion at a later date to celebrate Roy’s life.

Roy will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His laughter, sense of humor, good will, and caring ways will remain in our memories and hearts.

The family wishes to thank the many kind, wonderful friends and family members who helped during this time. Cleveland Clinic Hospice and the care Roy received are very much appreciated.

Donations in memory of Roy may be made to the Kent Historical Society, 237 East Main Street, Kent, OH, or to the Kent Free Library, 312 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.

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