Thomas E. "Tom" Royce's Obituary
Thomas Edward Royce was born to Thomas Henry, and LeOla Alberta (McAnally) Royce on September 12, 1930.Tom Royce’s family states he was a self made man. Tom was denied the educational opportunities that are common in our society today. He was a child of the Great Depression, when family survival out-weighed the need for a classroom education. Tom’s father died when he was only 12 years old, this and other circumstances in his early life would put its stamps on Tom (or Grandpa as he was known by his family) for the rest of his life. Some of this would be: A desire for a strong family unit, a need for education, to plan for the future, to be steadfast in your faith.In 1949, Grandpa would marry the love of his life, LoEva Lorette, and the union would span a time of over 67 years. This couple, with their Hollywood good looks and their love for each other, would set an example for their children and spouses to follow in the years to come in their own marriages.Grandpa was not only a hard worker, but a trusted employee and supervisor. His work career would include: Walter’s Service Station 1946-1949, Meadow Gold 1949 – 1952, Hawks Dairy 1955 – 1958, Wonder Bread 1958 – 1976, Oro Wheat 1976 – 1978, Rainbow 1978 – 1980, and was self-employed from 1980 – 1996.Grandpa took it upon himself to gain an education. He was an avid reader and he retained what he read. He became an accomplished worker of wood. If he could see an example or visualize it, he could build it or make it – be it cabinets, furniture, clocks, or stained glass. Mechanics and electronics were other skills he mastered. He taught himself photography and soon loved the aspects of taking pictures, whether of the kids, nature, or the roses in his garden that he worked so diligently in with Grandma. He loved working with his hands. His children and grandchildren were recipients of the many projects and masterpieces of his works.The computer became another instrument for Grandpa to learn and conquer. Learn to use it he did, but not without some frustrations; however, his steadfast attitude would win out in the end. Later, when Grandpa was unable to work in his shop, his computer proved to be a worthwhile outlet for a man who had to be doing something with a purpose.In later years, Grandpa kept his mind sharp through his continuous quest to learn – reading daily, working complicated puzzles, and mastering his computer challenges. Grandpa was a deep thinker, a planner, and he was very organized. As one of his son-in-laws stated, “He was one of the most brilliant people in my life.” Grandma agrees, but had a different way of stating it. She would say, “If your Grandpa had had the opportunity to get a college education he would have been unstoppable.” Grandpa’s family knew he didn’t believe in paying someone else to do something if he could do it himself.Following Grandpa’s retirement, he and Grandma had time to take long leisure walks through their neighborhood, accompanied by Grandpa’s beloved dog, Tiffany; time to explore the surrounding areas – finding good places to eat or taking a ride on a train; time to turn their yard into a showcase of beautiful plants and flowers; time to use Grandpa’s skill of repair and Grandma’s gift of gab to turn garage sales and flea markets into a profitable endeavor; time to travel – making trips to places like the World’s Fair in New Orleans, Niagara Falls, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., and even a quick trip to Montana to “rescue” Mike from a survivalist group; and time to enjoy their grandkids and great grandkids activities – whether it was baseball, football, basketball, track, soccer, team roping, softball, a birthday, or a new job – they knew what was happening and kept other family members informed.Tom was the ultimate competitor – whether he was cheering for his children, grandkids or great-grandkids. Grandpa was their foremost supporter and he played the games just as hard as his kids with little or no tolerance for the people in striped shirts if they failed to make the proper call. The same was true whether Grandpa was playing dominoes, cards, or just a game of scrabble. Grandpa competed to win because he was a winner.Survivors include, his wife, LoEvea Marie Royce, two daughters and son-in-laws: Gerry and Don Fate, of Sperry, Oklahoma; and Loretta and Bob Bloomer of Gore, Oklahoma, two sons and daughter-in-laws: Thomas and Debbie Royce, of Broken arrow, Oklahoma; and Mike and Wanda Royce of Lexington, Texas, eight grandchildren: Stephanie and her husband Aaron Shieldnight of Gore; Keith and his wife, Desi Bloomer of Gore; Travis Fate of Owasso; Tammy Fate of Oklahoma City; Thomas and his wife, Kenzie Royce of Bixby; Andrew Royce of Broken Arrow; Matthew Royce of Port Arthur, Texas, and Kamber and her husband, Jason Jackson of Weatherford, Texas. Grandpa was most proud of the fact that each of his grandchildren obtained their college degrees. Grandpa said the icing on the cake was the 7 great grandchildren: Zoe’, Gracy, and Alex Sheildnight, Cameron Fate, Brodie Bloomer, and Maddox and Ellasyn Royce, and one sister, Jean Ann Beck Clarkson. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Royce.
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