Royce was born to Frank Royce Fowler and Macie Alderson in Waco, TX on January 6, 1947. The family lived in Axtell, TX. After graduating from Axtell High School in 1965, Royce attended McLennan Community College and eventually moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. His first jobs were with the State of Texas where he continued to work as a Programmer Analyst for the Texas Workforce Commission. He retired after 40 years employment by the State of Texas in 2013. Because of his lengthy work history, he was awarded a Texas flag that flew over the Capitol.
Royce was a long-time member of Promiseland Church at 1504 East 51st Street. He spent many hours in the audio-visual department during church services. And most afternoons, he was there overseeing the construction of the larger church building. His dedication to church work was recognized by the church in December 1995 with the Crystal World Award.
Royce was happiest when he could be on the road – whether by car, bus, or cruise ship. One of our dreams came true when we were able to cruise to Hawaii and get to visit and see the beautiful scenery in the several locations where we stopped. Our last trip was by bus to Yellowstone. At that time, Royce was very quiet, didn’t speak much to the other vacationers, mostly just to ask questions of our guide. But he did enjoy the scenery and was able to point out things to me as we traveled.
On April 7th, 2001, Royce married Dora Ann Klein Parenteau at Promiseland Church in Austin.
Royce is survived by his wife Dora Ann and his nephews Richard Burns and wife Brenda of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Kerry Wheeler and wife Sarah of Waco, TX, as well as numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents Frank Royce Fowler and Macie Alderson Fowler; his first wife, Patricia Wilson Fowler; his sister Patsy Wheeler and her husband Ray; and sister Ina Jo Walker and her husband Dickie.
Funeral services will be held at the Mausoleum Chapel at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, TX on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., with services to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Honorary Pallbearers are Greg Bottoms, Craig Estes, Curtis Guthrie, Jerry Hulion, Harry Klein, Faustino Martinez, Curtis Montgomery, and Chon Trevino.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choosing.