Kenneth D. Royer

Kenneth D. Royer, of Spring Mills, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.  He was 91.  Born October 2, 1933, in Centre Hall, Ken was a son of the late James and Zella “Ripka” Royer.  He was a 1951 graduate of the former East Penns Valley High School.  Known as “Romeo”, Ken was active in basketball, soccer, baseball, High School band and other various school activities.  On April 10, 1955, he married the love of his life, Lois G. Smith who preceded him in death on October 12, 2023.

After high school, Ken joined the U. S. Air Force and proudly served our country as a B-52 Radar Navigator at many bases here in the states and overseas.  A decorated veteran, Ken retired from the military after 20 years of service as a Lt. Colonel.  Ken was a member the Millheim Lions Club, the Salem United Church of Christ in Spring Mills, the Elks Club in Boalsburg and an active member of the American Legion Keystone Post # 444 in Millheim where he had held positions of Commander, Duty Commander, Adjutant and Chaplain.  He also played in the Legion band.  Ken was a supporter of his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s high school activities.  He himself enjoyed bowling, playing pool, attending Penn State football games with his wife and family and attending Grange Fair where they had a family tent since 1973.  As a member of the Tussey Mountain Agitators in the Good Sam Club, he and Lois had enjoyed camping with their friends from the valley. 

Ken is survived by three sons, Dennis D. Royer, Douglas M. Royer and Donald J. Royer (Penny), all of Spring Mills; four grandchildren, Amanda Ault (Joey), Jermaine Royer, Abigail Royer (Nick) and Nathan Royer (Kelly).  Also surviving are four great grandchildren, Dominic Royer, Gabriel Shawver, Jackson Ault and Chloe Royer.  In addition to his wife, Ken was preceded in death by his brother Wendell Royer and his wife Phyllis and also his daughter in law, Nancy Royer. 

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Salem United Church of Christ, 4469 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills, PA.  The funeral service will follow at 5:00 pm with Pastor Teresa Hockenberry officiating.  Ken will be laid to rest in Heckman Cemetery on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 11:00 am.  Military honors will be provided by the Millheim Legion at the graveside.  There will be a meal following the burial at the American Legion Keystone Post # 444 in Millheim. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ken may be given to Salem UCC, c/o Peggy Swartz, 638 Tattletown Road, Aaronsburg PA 16820 or to American Legion Keystone Post # 444, POB 301, Millheim, PA 16854.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth D. Royer, please visit our floral store.