In Memory

Ernest Royse - Class Of 1940

Ernest Royse

Ernest Byron Royse, 92 of Olney died at 4:27 p.m. Saturday July 27, 2013.  Funeral service at Free Methodist Church with burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Ernest was born on August 10, 1920 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Virgle and Adelia "Ada" (Miller) Royse. He married Alma Pauline Jenkins on June 2, 1946 in Olney.

Though short in stature, to all that knew him, Ernie was a “giant of a man” who lived a rich and rewarding life filled with laughter and joy. A friend of many, he was a man who never met a stranger. He loved children and was usually surrounded by large numbers of them, who all considered his farm the greatest playground in the world. Always willing to help friend and new acquaintances alike, he lived the gospel through both action and resolute faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Olney. He attended East Richland High School where he met the love of his life, Alma Jenkins of Dundas, and married her after military service. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage.

Ernest was a combat engineer in World War II, entering the war from the shores of North Africa and coming home after the invasion of Germany. A long-time civic leader, he served on many boards and committees and was a founding member of the Good Samaritan Charity. He retired both as a farmer and rural letter carrier.

He is survived by his wife, Alma, three sons, Merle (Lana) Royse of Olney, Neil (Debbie) Royse of Champaign, and Ivan Royse of Olney; Six daughters, Anita (George) Westall of Noble, Wilma (John) Dickey of Pawnee, Marilyn (Kirk) Jefferis of Springfield, Paula (John Scott) Clark of Parkersburg, Joanne (Alan) Bunning of Lafayette, IN, and Carolyn (Robert) Norton of Auburn, AL; Daughter-in-law, Wynona (Burt) Alvord of Olney.

Ernest has a legacy of grandchildren including LaDana Abernathy, Debbie Royse, Donnie Royse, Duane Royse, Kim (Kevin) Ahlfield, Kevin (Lynette) Westall, Kristi (Gary) Hosselton, Lindsey Sims, Ashley Dickey, Derek (Marla) Royse, Leslie (Austin) Calico, Hillary Jefferis, Peter Jefferis, Haley Jefferis, Ariel Jefferis, Olivia Jefferis, Stephanie (Dave) Hahn, Stacie (Jacob) Kennedy, Brian (Jackie) Royse, Karl (Tyneal) Bock, Gloria Clark, Cayti Jo Clark, Zoey White, Ragen Bunning, Anna Bunning, Carrie (Jacob) Blocker, and Robert Norton III; Step grandchildren, Belinda Alvord, Mike (Jessica) Clark Great grandchildren, including Caleb Royse, Jacob Ahlfield, Taylor Ahlfield, Brady Westall, Britton Westall, Gavin Hosselton, Chad Hosselton, Trent Hosselton, Addyson Sims, Kyle Royse, Katie Royse, Kaylee Royse, Avalon Calico, Charlotte Jefferis, Kylie Kennedy, Cole Kennedy, Kellen Kennedy, Braden Royse, Julia Davis, Taylor Davis, Ezekiel Royse Parnell, Ansen Bock, Macayla Clark, Mark Clark, James Clark, Ada Blocker, Fiona Blocker; Step great grandchildren, Courtney (Nathan) Hopf, Trevor Clark, Morgan Clark, Kendal Thomas, Hannah Thomas; Step great great grandchild, Avery Hopf.

Ernest has two surviving sisters, Elizabeth Weiler and Evelyn (Dale) Berger, both of Olney, and two brothers, Carl Royse of Olney and Marion Royse of Maryville, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rozell, oldest son, Julian, son-in law, Jim Clark, granddaughter, Emily Royse Davis, and great grandson, Cordon Kennedy.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)
 

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