Roy E. Roadifer was born Oct. 18, 1926, to Ada and Arthur Roadifer. He was one of nine children. Before graduating high school Roy enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served in World War II, and helped to liberate Okinawa. After the War, Roy earned his GED through Custer (S.D.) High School. He married Ramona Haugen Nov. 16, 1947. They worked together at the Custer movie theater prior to the War. They had their first date seven months before they married, and recently celebrated 73 years of marriage. In 1954 Roy matriculated from South Dakota School of Mines with a degree in geology. He was hired by Mobil Oil right out of college. After 32 years with the company, he retired as chief geologist in 1986. His career allowed him to travel all over the world. He and Ramona raised their four children in Tripoli, Libya for six years. His crew was the first to map the Sahara Desert. Roy and Ramona lived all over the country, and settled in Southern California for 21 years. In 1981, they purchased land and a cabin in Custer. Roy designed and built (with help from family) their Custer home in 1992, and in 2007 they moved there permanently. They welcomed their grandkids into their home every summer for years. Roy obtained his pilot’s license in 1984. Flying his Cessna was one of his greatest joys. He collected rocks and fossils and enjoyed teaching his grandkids all about them. He played cribbage daily with Ramona for over 70 years, and would pull his kids and grandkids into a game any chance he got. He was quick to joke and laugh, and enjoyed teasing his loved ones—anything for a laugh. He was incredibly generous with his family and had a philanthropic nature that he never talked or boasted about. He was a Patron Member of the Lifetime Giving Society for the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Foundation. Roy was an active member of Rotary and VFW. Roy died Dec. 8, 2020. He was 94. He was preceded in death by his son, Dana. He is survived by his wife, Ramona; his children Laura, Peggy and Rodney (Nancy); six grandchildren Ryan (Beth), Daniel, Brianna (Chris), Shanna (Andy), Travis (Cydni) and Victoria; and one great-grandchild, Audrey. Roy was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.