Melvin Ross Royer, 88, of Arcanum, formerly of New Paris, passed away peacefully at 2:28 a.m., on May 15, 2013, at the Brethren Retirement Home in Greenville, Ohio. Melvin was born in Darke County on May 5, 1925, to the late Earl and Mary (Rhoades) Royer.Melvin resided in Darke County his entire life, farming and working a few years at Spartech Plastic in Greenville. He loved gardening, mowing his grass, eating out, visiting with family and homemade ice cream. He is deeply loved and missed by his family. Everyone knew him as a compassionate, soft spoken, very loving husband and father. He loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He served his nation honorably in the United States Army.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol (Moses) Royer, whom he married September 18, 1944; daughters, Linda Benham and husband Jim of Richmond, Indiana, Kathryn Roberts and husband Terry of Arcanum and Susan Hora and husband Bob of Lewisburg, Ohio; son David Royer and wife Kathy of Greenville, Ohio; grandchildren, Jim Benham, Brian Derr and wife Kelly, Steven Derr and wife Gail, Matthew Roberts and wife Darlene, Eric Derr and wife Tesa, Michele Roberts and fiancé Jeff Sheidler, Jeff Royer and wife Christina, Dan Royer and wife Jessica, Travis Royer and wife Rachel; great-grandchildren Cory Derr, Hannah Shook, Luke Shook, Bryce Derr and Zarek Derr, Tyler, Lawrence, Ella Mae, Sophia Grace and Gaige Royer; great great-grandchild, Roscoe Derr; brother, Waldo Royer and wife Patty of New Madison, Ohio and a sister, Donna Rife and husband Marvin of Arcanum.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison with Rev. Eric Fee being asked to officiate. Friends and family may visit on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 2-4 PM also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow services in Greenmound Cemetery with full military honors.
The family request memorial contributions be given to the Brethren Retirement Home Community Services or State of the Heart Hospice in honor of Melvin. Arrangements are entrusted to Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.braundpope.com.