Clifford "Dean" Royse

Clifford “Dean “ Royse, 94, of Ottawa, KS passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Neuvant House, Lawrence, KS, surrounded by his wife, Mary, and their children.  He was born November 23, 1927 in Parsons, KS, the son of Edward Epperson Royse and Grace Mae (Barrick) Royse.

He graduated from Parsons High School and then Baker University and Pittsburg State University with a Master’s of Education. 

Dean served in the US Army in El Paso, TX during the Korean War as a Chaplains Assistant. Because of his service during wartime, he was selected to participate in a Kansas Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. in September 2019, and considered it to be a trip of a lifetime.

On December 26, 1950 Dean sang to his bride, Mary, as her father walked her down the aisle, after only 3 months of courtship.  Their love was like no other. Every year on their anniversary, they recited their vows to each other. They celebrated and acknowledged the day of their first date and their engagement every year. Their love spanned more than 71 years.

Dean taught Industrial Arts in Seneca, MO and Humboldt, KS. He then served as Principal of Eldorado Springs High School, Eldorado Springs, MO and Ottawa Junior High School, Ottawa, KS for U.S.D. 290 where he worked from 1961 to 1981.  After retiring from working in the school system, Dean began working at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation during the building phase and finally retired after 10 years of service.

He had many hobbies, however, his favorite was woodworking. He shared his love of the craft with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the art.  Many plates, pens and Christmas ornaments are loved and treasured by many in his family and community.

Dean was a man of service. He spent many years with the Kiwanis Club, serving several years as president. He volunteered much of his time with Ransom Memorial Hospital as a member of the Auxiliary. Dean was a very dedicated member of First United Methodist Church where he was a long time member and served many roles. He also volunteered his time with scouting, mission trips and so much more.

Many of his favorite pastimes revolved around being outside, enjoying time with family. Camping, boating and fishing is where you would find him if he wasn’t fixing someone’s lawnmower or maintaining Ottawa University's washing machines. Dean also enjoyed square dancing with Mary and when they traveled he always had a camera around his neck or in his pocket.  Most of all, Dean always emphasized the importance of family. Having his family together under one roof, laughing, joking and playing games was his greatest joy. Dean, along with Mary, always looked forward to their annual "Grandpa and Grandma Summer Camp" which was always a huge hit with their grandchildren. Dean was a wonderful human being, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Dean was so proud of his entire family. He and Mary would often say “there is not a bad apple in the bunch", and how could there be a bad apple from such a strong, healthy and vibrant tree such as C. Dean Royse.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents E.E. Royse and Grace Mae (Barrick) Royse; sister, Virginia Royse; and a granddaughter, Amanda Michelle Lanning.

Dean is survived by his wife, Mary Royse, Ottawa, KS; six children, Bruce Royse (Terrie) Buffalo, KS, Gary Royse (Jeannine) Eldorado, KS, Mark Royse, Dallas, TX, Jean Royse, Washington, PA, Judy Lanning (Dan) Ottawa, KS, Bryan Royse (Traci) Edmond, OK; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 28, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, Ottawa.  The family will greet friends for a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church, Thursday prior to the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Ottawa or Kansas Honor Flight sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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