Melvin Royster's Obituary
Melvin Earl Royster, son of William Earl and Essie Prock Royster, was born December 10, 1923, near Hartville, in Wright County, Missouri. He departed this life Sunday, January 28, 2007, in Maranatha Manor, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-three years, one month, and eighteen days. On November 23, 1946, he was united in marriage to Eleanor Louise Clinkingbeard, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Eleanor, on December 14, 1994. Melvin is survived by his three children, Wendell Royster, and his wife, Jan, and Sharen L. Burch, all of Springfield, Missouri, and Danny Royster, and his wife, Cristi, of Fordland, Missouri; five grandchildren, Bryan Royster, Mandee Hunsicker, Dylan Royster, Jason Royster, and Jonathan Royster; three great-grandchildren, Michael and Mary Beth Royster, and Bailey Nicole Hunsicker; a sister, Beryl Jacque, of Aurora, Missouri; a nephew, Ewing Gourley, and his wife, Carol, of Springfield, Missouri; a niece, Glenda Rowland, and her husband, Lyle, of Taneyville, Missouri; a well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in Wright County, had attended school in Hartville, and was a graduate of Mountain Grove High School. He worked for five years at the PX in Fort Leonard Wood, and then owned and operated a concrete company for twenty years. He owned and operated restaurants in Hartville and Springfield, and also farmed and had a backhoe business in Seymour before his retirement. Melvin had made his profession of faith in Christ and attended the Fordland Freewill Baptist Church. He had served as a Committeeman for the Webster County Farm Bureau for several years, and was a proud member of the Democratic Party. He was a Thirty-Second Degree Mason and a member of the United Lodge # 5 AF & AM in Springfield for fifty years and was a Shriner from the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple. He also was a member of Chapter #144 of the Order of Eastern Star in Seymour. Melvin enjoyed visiting with his many friends, going to music parties, and had a knack for buying, selling, and trading farm and heavy duty machinery. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories he created for his family and friends Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2007, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Seymour. Burial will be in Coldwater Cemetery in Wright County, Missouri. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 7 - 8:00 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Seymour, Missouri. Memorials to Coldwater Cemetery may be made through the funeral home.
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