Willard P. Royer

Willard P. Royer, 85, of Eldorado, died peacefully Saturday evening, September 29, 2012 at Hospice of Dayton with his family at his side. He was born July 15, 1927 near West Manchester, OH at the home of his parents, Jesse Omar & Mary Barbara (Kessler) Royer. Willard was a proud member of the Monroe High School '44-'45 baseball team, and a 1945 graduate of Monroe. Willard was employed for many years as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver, and was a member of the Operators Union. He was a member of the Eldorado U U Church, serving on the board and several years as church moderator. He served on the Eldorado Light Board, and was a charter member of the Eldorado Lions Club, through which he worked many long hours helping to build and sustain the Eldorado Ball Park. He was a great supporter of youth in sports, as evidenced through his children & grandchildren. He traveled many miles to watch his granddaughter play high school & college volleyball, where he was the official "Grandpa" to the LMU volleyball team. He also followed his grandson playing high school, college, & pro basketball – even traveling to Germany for three seasons. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; wife Virginia (Stayton) Royer, 1993; brother Charles Royer, 1986; sister Jeanette Hawkey, 1996.

Survivors include his daughter and family: Becky (Dan) Yount, Eldorado; James D. (Holli) Yount Sr. & James D. Yount Jr.; Krystal (Jason) Burke, Addison & Kyndall Grace; son and family: Jim (Natalie) Royer, Greenville, Dylan Johnson; step-great grandchildren Audrey & Grady James Thomas; brother Glen Royer, Eaton; several nieces & nephews, and many friends.

Visitation will be at the Bussard-Barnes-Vaniman Funeral Home, 311 N. Main St., Eldorado, OH on Thursday, October 4 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will be Friday, October 5 at 12 Noon at the Eldorado Unitarian Universalist Church. All family & friends are encouraged to attend. Immediately following, a meal will be served in the church basement, with everyone invited to stay and share family memories. Burial in Monroe Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Eldorado U U Church, PO Box 146, Eldorado, OH 45321; North Central Ambulance District, P.O. Box 271, Eldorado, OH 45321; or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Condolences may be sent to the family via Guest Book at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.