Royce Foley

Foley-Royce, Son, Brother, husband, Father and Grandfather, passed away Friday, July 28th, 2006 after a wonderful life. A mentor to many and a role model for his family, students and friends, he will be greatly missed. Son of Edgar and Susie Foley, Royce graduated from Lindsay High School in 1940, and attended Oklahoma State University on a basketball Scholarship under basketball legend, Mr. Henry Iba. During World War II, Royce had the honor of serving as a sonar officer and postmaster onboard the USS Aaron Ward from 1942 ? 1945, and was involved in the rescue mission of the famous PT 109, which John F. Kennedy was onboard, In addition the USS Aaron Ward was the first ship to fire a shot in the South Pacific after Pearl Harbor. While on leave in Seattle, Royce met and married Bernice Kline. They later moved back to Oklahoma where he completed his Bachelors of Science in Vocational Agriculture at OSU. Shortly after, Royce began his thirty-three year career as a Vocational Agricultural teacher for Lindsay High School. Royce and Bernice were blessed with two daughters, Bonnie Lee and Donna Jo, and later Royce received his Masters in Agriculture from OSU. His tenure at Lindsay High School included a banner year in 1970 when his FFA teams won two National and five State awards on District, County and State levels. Royce was extremely proud of his "FFA Boys" and all of their achievements. He later received an honorary American Farmer Degree, the highest award bestowed on non-members of the Future Farmers of America, and he also served as President of the Oklahoma Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association. In 1976 he was awarded Teacher of the Year at Lindsay High School, before retiring n 1981. During the same year, he married DeMeris Reed. Royce?s retired years were very active as he held numerous roles including President of the local Teachers Association, President of the local Golf Association, key founder of the Lindsay Municipal Golf Course, Member of the Methodist Church Council, Boy Scout Administration Board, President of the local Fair, Director of Teen Town, State President of the Vocational Agricultural Instructors, Member of the Silver Hair Legislature Member of the Elks and later Exalted Ruler of the local Elks lodge and State President of the Elks. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and all things related to Oklahoma State University. Royce is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Susie Foley, his sister Doris Joy Kingery, his brother Winston Foley, his first wife, Bernice Foley and his second wife DeMeris Foley. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Bonnie Lee Kurtz and Donna Jo Battin, his sister Billie Joy Bradley and brother James Davis Foley, his son-in-laws Bill Kurtz and Jeff Battin, his grandchildren Brian Kurtz, Bobby Kurtz, Amy Battin, Christopher Battin and Christopher?s fiancé? Becky Matousck, as well as numerous friends and extended family who were very special to him. Services to celebrate Royce Foley?s life will be on Tuesday, August, 1, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Interment will at Green Hill Cemetery, also in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Words of encouragement and love may be sent to the family online at www.boydstonfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of B. G. Boydston Funeral Home, Lindsay, Oklahoma. Donations may be sent to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation located at 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Information about OMRF cam be found at http:/www.omrd.org or by calling (405) 271-6673.

Royce Foley

August 28, 1921 - July 28, 2006

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