Robert A (Bob) Royer

Robert Alvin (Bob) Royer, 82, Batesville AR, formerly of Blytheville, died May 14, 2011 at Clear Lake Regional Hospital in Houston (Webster) TX of complications from Mesothelioma.

He was born in Enid, OK October 6, 1928 to Ray W. and Dora H. Royer.

Bob lived on the family farm until college in 1944. He first attended Phillips University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma as a Chemical Engineer in 1950.

Bob married Nadine Pounds in 1951; two daughters came from the union: Pam Royer Bolles and Elizabeth Royer Watkins of Seattle, WA.

He worked for the Navy and then Phillips Petroleum with assignments in Ardmore and Baghdad, Iraq. Upon returning to the States he began working for Conoco in Ponca City. Conoco transferred him to Lake Charles, LA and then to Blytheville AR. During his time in Blytheville he was employed by Conoco, Agrico, and Freeport-McMoran. He also worked a short time for Arcadian in Memphis.

He was united in marriage to Eleanor Hill Royer in Blytheville on March 19, 1978. They moved to Batesville AR in 2010.

Bob was an active member of the Blytheville community, where he was a member for over 40 years and Elder of the First Christian Church. He served as Chairman of the Board several times. He was a long time member and past president of Kiwanis in Blytheville and recently joined the club in Batesville. During his time in the Blytheville club he had many years of perfect attendance as well as spearheading the interclub committee and working with youth. He was also involved in Emmaus. He was on the board of Red Cross and donated over 10 gallons of blood. Bob was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, re-instituted the Chickasaw Chapter in Blytheville, and served as president. Bob was also a member of the Blytheville-Gosnell Chamber of Commerce.

Bob leaves behind Eleanor, his wife of over 33 years; his daughter Liz Royer Watkins and her husband Jan; Eleanor's children, Sharon R Powell and husband John David, Stephanie R Miller and her husband Randy, Ben D Russell and his wife Kim. He also leaves his grandchildren: Jennifer Bolles, Hill Olsen and her husband Kirk, George Watkins, Bryan Bolles, Hayden Watkins, Shade Powell, Matthew Miller, Jacob Russell, Samantha Miller, and Jordan Russell. He also leaves one very special great grandson, Halvor Olson. Bob also leaves an extended family and many friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Dora Royer; two daughters, Pam Royer Bolles, Martha Rushing Payne; his brother, Winston Royer; and his sister, Lou Ellen Royer Swinton.

Visitation will be 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, May 19th, at First Christian Church, Blytheville AR. The Memorial service will begin at 6:00pm with Dr. Tommy J Carney officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville AR on Friday, May 20th at 1:00pm with Kay & Bob Burton, pastors of First Methodist Church of Batesville,officiating.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to First Christian Church, Red Cross, or The Haven.

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