Almena, KS resident, Royce E. Wilson, passed away early Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in his home at the age of 70 years.

He was born July 16, 1945, in Norton County, KS, the son of Donald F. & Mildred L. (Thacker) Wilson. He graduated from Almena Rural High School with the class of '63. He then joined the United States Marines, serving during the Vietnam era until 1967 when he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.

Upon returning to the states, he was united in marriage to Jean Ann Quinn on June 9, 1968, at the Congregational Church in Almena. The couple resided in Hays, where Royce worked for the Fire Department. They moved to Denver, where Royce graduated from Mechanic's School. Returning to Almena, Royce worked for Scheetz Motor Company in Norton as a mechanic. He later worked for the City of Norton at the Power Plant, and later became an undersheriff with Norton County. In 1988 he joined the Department of Corrections in Norton, retiring in 1998 as an instructor, due to health reasons.

Royce liked to keep busy: He enjoyed wood working, computers, reading, motorcycles, and volunteering for 10 years as an Aide in his daughter's classroom three times a week in Alma. He also served on the Wheatridge Housing Board, spending time doing maintenance work there. He also volunteered for several years at the Parrot Theater in Alma, NE. He was a member of the Almena Congregational Church in Almena, serving as deacon and trustee and was the narrator for the Children's Christmas pageant for many years.

Most of all, Royce enjoyed spending time with his family. Nothing was better than spending an entire day playing games with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Ann of the home; daughters, Marty Wolfe & husband, Charlie, of Alma, NE, and Monica Wilson and David Riemann of Norton, KS; son, Matt Wilson & wife, Kim, of Garner, IA; 6 grandchildren, Cristee Sharpnack & husband, Nick, Kai Wolfe, Carson Wolfe, and Katelyn, Tyler & Sidney Wilson; 3 great grandchildren, Zoe, Skyler & Lexi Sharpnack; a brother, Roger Wilson & wife, Rayleen, of Ottumwa, IA; brother-in-law, C.A. Quinn & wife, Dana, of Manhattan, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Almena Congregational Church in Almena with Pastor Kirk Kasson officiating. Cremation will follow services.

Royce will lie in state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday evening and again from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton County Hospital or The Almena City Library.