Roger Lee Maki, 74, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023 at his residence in Protection, KS. Born November 3, 1948, in Great Falls, MT, he was the son of Henry Richard and Edna Marie (Croff) Maki.

Roger was raised on the Otter Creek Ranch in Belt, MT. He graduated from Belt Valley High School and attended college in Missoula, MT.

Roger was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Marines, receiving a Purple Heart; The Silver Star; Vietnam Campaign Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal with 1-Star. He was also a Rifle Sharpshooter.

Roger earned his pilot's license when he was 16 years old. He worked as a pilot for much of his life, including Passenger, Cargo, and Firefighting Planes. He was a jack-of-all-trades.

He moved to Protection, KS in 1996 and worked for Randy Selzer for many years. He loved farming and was a great mechanic.

On February 22, 1997, he married Carol Janice "Jan" Shrauner at Las Vegas, NV. She survives.

He is survived by his wife: Carol Janice "Jan" Maki of Protection, KS; three daughters: Jennifer Watson (Jim) of Chicago, IL, Rachel Monstad (Lance) of Missoula, MT, and Erin Valdivia (Kelly) of Las Vegas, NV; siblings: Randolf "Randy", Raymond Ross, Rebecca, and Richard Henry; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: Rosco Henry; and one sister: Ruth Elaine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Donor's Choice in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.

Services are pending and will be announced by Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.