Elmer John Royston

Mrs. Elmer John Royston passed from this life on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 1:10 am.  He was 92 years old, born April 11, 1921 in Natchitoches, LA.  Before moving to DeRidder, he worked at Fort Polk as a carpenter, served in the U.S. Army for two years, and then moved to DeRidder in 1945.  After moving to DeRidder he was a master carpenter, building numerous homes and businesses in the community.  He retired at the age of 62.  Elmer was an avid member of the Westview Baptist Church.  He was a devoted husband, father, and friend in the community.  He was also a loyal and faithful member of the VFW Post 3619 and American Legion Post.

Left to cherish his wonderful member are four daughters, Joyclyn (Lynn) Shivers and husband Jeff of Joshua, TX, Barbara Galloway and husband Jimmy, Jeane Williamson and husband Wiley and Debbie Stengel and husband Vernon all of DeRidder, LA; six grandchildren, Laura Blount, Greg Galloway, Angela Harrington, James Williamson, Randall Williamson and Candace Fly.; 12 great grandsons, Aaron Rose, Patrick Blount, Travis Blount, Drew Galloway, Shane Galloway, Tate Royston Galloway, Trace Galloway, Ty Harrington, Coy Harrington, Caleb Williamson, Landen Williamson and Xander Fly; one great-great grandson, Sam Royston Galloway;  two sisters, Nola Carpenter of Pineville, LA and Mary Ellen Johnson of Natchitoches; two sisters-in-law, Daisy Geiger and Joy Elese Keel of DeRidder, LA.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Joyce Nichols Royston; parents, John Ed and Lela Royston; 2 brothers, Samuel Royston, Hoyt (Jack) Royston; 3 sisters, Verna Lee Schmidt, Leslie Dutile and Thelma Brown (twin); grandson, Christopher Stengel; and a host of family and friends.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who visited him, the church, Dr. Dobbins and staff, nurses, CNA’s and sitters during his stay in the hospital.  A special thanks to Dr. H.S. Carter, his family physician for years.  Funeral services will be Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 10:00am at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Burial will follow at Cooper Cemetery on Hwy. 190 W., DeRidder, LA.  In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Westview Baptist Church or St. Jude’s Children Hospital in his honor and Christopher Stengel. Rev. Jason Hoychick will officiate.