Lyle W. Royal

Virden, Illinois: Lyle Welch Royal, 93, formerly of Cahokia, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 16, 2013, at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield, Illinois. He was born January 19, 1920, in Swinton, Missouri, the son of the late Lyman W. and Mary C. (Long) Royal. On March 6, 1943, he married the former Virginia Margaret Norman in Pascagoula, Mississippi. A graduate of Advance High School, Advance, Missouri, Lyle enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps serving his country during World War II, Pacific Theater. After returning to civilian life, he and Margaret moved to Cahokia, Illinois, where they raised their daughters, Elaine and Cecilia. Though Lyle wanted to pursue a college education, the responsibilities of family and work delayed that goal. It wasn’t until he was in his 50’s that he achieved his livelong dream and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Lyle was a man of many talents that he used to meet the needs of others. From 1950-1965 he owned and operated Royal’s Highway Service Station. After selling that business, he worked at Parks Bi-State Airport and then became supervisor of transportation for Cahokia School District #187. In 1972 Lyle began his teaching career as a vocational education instructor at Cahokia High School and retired in 1985. Following his retirement he and Margaret moved to Virden, Illinois, where he was a substitute teacher in the Auburn, Girard and Virden School Districts. When Lyle was a teenager, he made a profession of faith that led him to a lifelong ministry of helping others. While living in Cahokia, he was a member of Maplewood Park Baptist Church, Emeth Masonic Lodge #1030 A.F. & A.M., and the Exchange and Optimist Clubs. In Virden he united with Grace Southern Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Until the last couple of months, he was an active member of American Legion Post 386. Lyle was an avid supporter of Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington D.C., a program that honors veterans for service to their country. A devoted family man, Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Margaret, two daughters Elaine (Robert) Harrell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Cecilia (Douglas) Pitchford of Girard, Illinois; four grandchildren, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Caldwell of Little Rock, Arkansas, Cynthia (Brandon) Shafer of Edmond, Oklahoma, Erick Pitchford of Girard, Illinois, and Tyler (Janna) Pitchford of East Alton, Illinois; eight great-grandchildren, Ethan and Avery Caldwell, Corban, Eliana, and Jude Shafer, Lucas Pitchford, Madelynn and Meredith Pitchford. In addition he leaves two sisters-in-law, Mary Royal of Cahokia, Illinois and Dorothy Norman of Hemphill, Texas, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other extended family and friends. Besides his parents Lyle was preceded in death by one brother, Gerland “Rusty” Royal. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at Grace Southern Baptist Church, 302 West Wright Street in Virden, Illinois. Visitation will continue from 9am until time of funeral services at 10am on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at the church. Pastor Jimmy Hammond and Steve Ford will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, Illinois, with Rev. Brandon Shafer conducting final rites. Full military rites will be conducted by the Ritual Team of the Polish American War Veteran's of Caseyville, Illinois. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2001 S. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63131.