Robert S. 'Bob' Royer

Robert S. ""Bob"" Royer (1923-2011) a beloved husband, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away December 4 at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC. He was truly a ""poster child"" for the ""Greatest Generation."" He was born on a poor farm (which was lost in the Great Depression), lived in a log cabin, fought WWII, worked hard, bettered himself, raised his family, kept an optimistic outlook and did everything that he wanted to do. Born: August 26, 1923 in Williamsburg, PA to Nora and Harry Royer. As the youngest of four children including: Vera Royer (St. Petersburg, FL); James Royer (deceased); and Creighton Royer (deceased), he attended Robinson Extension elementary school and graduated from Williamsburg High School. After graduation, he began as laborer at Niagara Falls Smelting in Buffalo, NY. During WWII he served in the US Navy. His service included 3 Pacific combat patrols aboard the legendary submarine USS Barb. During that time the crew was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and numerous lesser awards for their actions. Upon honorable discharge at war's end, he returned to work in Buffalo and married his high school sweetheart Miriam R ""Becky"" Brenneman. In 1951, Bob was transferred to Keokuk Iowa by Thomas Truck and Caster Company as plant superintendent. Bob and Becky would spend the next 40 years in Keokuk and raise their family there. In 1961 he became Plant Maintenance Superintendent at Midwest Carbide Corporation, eventually retiring from the company in 1982. Bob was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church serving in many capacities. He was also an active member of Keokuk Kiwanis and served as president on two occasions. He was preceded in death by Becky in September 1991. He subsequently married Mary Thomas. After residing in Clearwater, FL for 11 years they moved to Winston-Salem where Mary preceded him in death in December 2010. His body is being donated to the Wake Forest Medical Center and the ashes will be buried in the Keokuk National Cemetery at a future time. He is survived by two sons: Randall Kent ""Randy"" (Winston-Salem) and John Robert ""Jack"" (Overland Park, KS) as well as 4 grandchildren in Winston-Salem and Kansas City. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.