Trending
Kenneth D. Royer, 91, of Spring Mills, passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Born Oct. 2, 1933 in Centre Hall, Ken was a son of the late James and Zella Ripka Royer.
He was a 1951 graduate of the former East Penns Valley High School. Known as "Romeo," Ken was active in basketball, soccer, baseball, High School band and other various school activities.
On April 10, 1955, he married the love of his life, Lois G. Smith, who preceded him in death on Oct. 12, 2023.
After high school, Ken joined the U. S. Air Force and proudly served our country as a B-52 Radar Navigator at many bases here in the states and overseas. He retired from the military after 20 years of service as a Lt. Colonel.
Ken was a member of the Millheim Lions Club, the Salem United Church of Christ in Spring Mills and the Elks Club in Boalsburg. He was an active member of the Keystone American Legion Post 444 in Millheim, where he had held positions of Commander, Duty Commander, Adjutant and Chaplain. He also played in the Legion band.
Ken was a supporter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's high school activities.
He enjoyed bowling, playing pool, attending Penn State football games with his wife and family and attending Grange Fair where they had a family tent since 1973. As a member of the Tussey Mountain Agitators in the Good Sam Club, he and Lois had enjoyed camping with their friends from the valley.
Ken is survived by three sons, Dennis D. Royer, Douglas M. Royer and Donald J. Royer (Penny), all of Spring Mills; four grandchildren, Amanda Ault (Joey), Jermaine Royer, Abigail Royer (Nick) and Nathan Royer (Kelly); and four great-grandchildren, Dominic Royer, Gabriel Shawver, Jackson Ault and Chloe Royer.
In addition to his wife, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Wendell Royer, and his wife, Phyllis; and also his daughter-in-law, Nancy Royer.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, from 2-5 p.m., at Salem United Church of Christ, 4469 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills, Pa.
The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Pastor Teresa Hockenberry officiating.
Ken will be laid to rest in Heckman Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Millheim Legion at the graveside. There will be a meal following the burial at the Keystone American Legion Post 444 in Millheim.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ken may be given to Salem UCC, c/o Peggy Swartz, 638 Tattletown Road, Aaronsburg, PA 16820 or to the Keystone American Legion Post 444, POB 301, Millheim, PA 16854.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevenrnefffuneralhome.com