Rev. Donald Keith Royce

Don was a Minister of the Gospel, ordained by his father in 1951. He has been an evangelist, pastor, and Bible teacher. He joined Open Bible Churches, Inc. in 1957. While pastoring churches in Open Bible, he served as District Superintendent and also Central Division Youth Director in Iowa, He pastored in Everett, Washington and also had the privilege of being a Chaplain in the Everett Police Department. Moving to California, he was in charge of building a new church building in Hayward. Following pastoring in California and moving back to Everett, he filled in for pastors and then served as a Sunday School Bible teacher in Arlington Assembly, in Arlington, and Bethany Christian Assembly in Everett.

He performed many, many, many marriage ceremonies; in churches, hospitals, back yards, living rooms, ferry boats, and even a tree farm. He dedicated hundreds of children to Jesus. He baptized new believers in rivers, lakes, baptisteries, and even a bathtub. He presided over countless funeral and memorial services.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 72+ years Mary Ann, daughter Debbie Long (Gene), son Keith Royce (Sherry), grandchildren Seth Pederson (Erin), Melissa Hunter (Brian), Kimbra Naber (David), Pamela Heuschkel (Jeff), Jason Royce, and Ryan Royce. Great grands Ellie and Abbie Pederson, Sam, Maddie, and Cooper Hunter, Ava and Mac Naber, Saya Royce, and Nova Royce. 2 sisters, Joan Cooper, and Annis Schnedler (Larry), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with 9 bonus grands.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Beverly Heuschkel, Grandson Lance Pederson, his parents Rev. Jim and Margie Royce, and his brother, Rev. Dean Royce.

As his brain condition deteriorated, and recognition of us failed, he still prayed for all his family and their families by name, his sisters and their families, and his in-laws and their families. He prayed before every meal, and during his last months, his fellow patients wouldn’t eat until “Pastor Don” had said the blessing. When he could no longer speak, we knew the end was near, and with a kiss and I love you from his wife, he smiled and left us for heaven.

Studying God’s Word, praying for God’s guidance, loving his family, and having compassion for others were his deepest desires.

Services will be held at Purdy and Walters Floral Hills, in Lynnwood, WA on Wednesday, June 7, at 11:00am, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials in his name for one of the following:

Pan American Ministries – P.O. Box 380774, San Antonio, TX 78268

BCA Compassion Center – 2715 Everett Ave, Everett, WA 98201

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillslynnwood.com for the Royce family.