Cecil R. Royster, 78, Carthage, loving husband and father, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020, peacefully at home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He spent his final days surrounded by his family that he loved deeply.
Cecil was born on June 25, 1941, in La Russell, Missouri to Henry and Dorothy “Hill” Royster. He graduated from Miller High School, Miller, Missouri in 1958. Cecil married the love of his life, Bernetta Martin in 1961 and raised two children together; they were happily married for 58 years. Cecil provided for his family through his construction company, Royster Construction. The family worked together for many years building custom homes.
He was devoted to his relationship with Jesus Christ and attended the Assemblies of God Church. He especially loved his missionary work in Mexico where he used his carpentry skills to build homes and churches. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, camping, gardening, whittling, and out fishing everyone at the lake. It has been said he was such an avid angler, that he could catch a fish out of a bucket of water that didn’t even have any fish in it. Cecil also had a passion for music and enjoyed playing his guitars. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy Royster; and four sisters, Violet Smith, Wynona Gembala, Josephine Sexton, and Dorlene Dunback.
He is survived by his wife Bernetta “Martin” Royster; a son, Brian Royster (Holly) of Carthage, Missouri; a daughter, Teresa Matthews (Scott) of Carthage, Missouri; three grandchildren, Austin Royster (Melanie), Tristan Royster, and Kursten Royster; two great-grandchildren, Averie and Caden Royster; five sisters, Shirley Marian (Pete), Arlene Smith (Huey), Osa Mae Martin, Cora Boggs (Mitchell), and Doris West (Ray); one brother, George Royster (Marie); and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give very special thanks to Cecil’s caregivers, Sabrina Wagner and David Erskin.
Cecil will lie in state from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2020, through Thursday, April 9, 2020, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2020, at the Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Due to the current circumstances, family services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2020. Services will be available to view via live stream post on the Knell Mortuary Facebook page. Interment will take place at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to Gideons International in care of Knell Mortuary.
Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
