Ralph P. Royer

Ralph P. “Doc” Royer, 91, of Marion, Ind., died at 12:39 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Marion General Hospital.

He was born in Van Wert to the late Ralph and Mamie (Swartz) Royer and had been a resident of Marion since 1955. On July 18, 1942, he married Norma R. (Bebout) Royer, who preceded him in death on June 29, 2000.

Mr. Royer was a graduate of Wren High School and was previously employed as a truck driver for Hubbard Milling in Marion for more than 30 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran (sergeant first class) and served in World War II (European Theatre) as a radio specialist.

He was a former trustee and member of Grace United Methodist Church and a member of American Legion Post 10 in Marion. Ralph was a former Sunnycrest Little League commissioner and played softball for the Decatur (Ind.) Moose lodge and was a Moose 1311 national champion in 1947. He loved to travel and play euchre.

Ralph was an avid Marion Giants fan and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a man of integrity who stood firm in his beliefs.

Survivors include three daughters, Diane Royer of Marion, Nancy J. (Patrick) Ertel of St. Joe, Mich., and Janie D. (Charles) Thompson of Nashville, Tenn.; two sons, Dennis J. (Teal) Royer of Fishers, Ind., and David L. (Catherine) Royer of Swayzee, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, Chad (Stacy) Royer, Craig (Jennifer) Royer, Mallory (Demetri) Baches, Bailey (Wilson Green) Ertel, Morgan Ertel, Shara Thompson, Jeremy Thompson, Abbie Thompson, Aaron (Alisha) Royer and Ryan Royer; 12 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

A daughter, Lisa Ann Royer; four brothers and four sisters, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 26, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave. in Marion, with Dr. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park.

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 25, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Marion American Legion or Wounded Warriors Project.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.nswcares.com.