Elgin, Oregon
Royce Earl Moore, 85, of Elgin, died April 2 in the comfort of his home with family at his side.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at the Elgin Stampede Hall.
Royce was born Feb. 9, 1923, to Earl and Verna (Darr) Moore in Elgin. He attended Thorny Grove School until eighth grade and then graduated from Elgin High School.
After school, Royce joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. Royce then started a career with the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1962 and retired 22 years later in 1984.
On June 15, 1947, Royce married Hazel Marie Coleman. The couple raised three children: Myrna Christian (Winterton), Doug Moore and Dennis Moore. Royce spent his life raising children and enjoying the outdoors. He and his family and friends spent countless days hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, mushrooming and huckleberry picking.
Royce was a lifetime member of the Elgin Stampeders, serving as president of the organization in 1957. He and his wife, Hazel, were also honored by the Stampeders by serving as grand marshals in 1998. Royce was active in the Good Sam’s Club and Rockwall Grange.
Royce is survived by his sons and their wives, Dennis and Karen Moore of Elgin and Doug and Gayle Moore of Cottonwood, Calif.; companion, Genevieve Taylor of Portland; sisters, Arlene Bennett of Mesa, Ariz., and LaNeva Davis of Elgin; numerous grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Myrna Christian, and his wife, Hazel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Elgin Stampeders in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande 97850.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending April 5, 2008 – Published April 4, 2008