Traverse City, Michigan
BEULAH — Royal J. Call, 88, of Beulah, died Thursday, March 26, at home in the presence of family. Born Oct. 12, 1920, in Eden, he was the son of Rose (Fitts) and Chauncey Call, the youngest of five.
After eight years in the Eden country school, he went on to graduate from Benzonia High School in 1939. During his second year at Michigan State College, he enlisted in the army and left for Fort Riley in April of 1942. He came home on furlough in July of 1944 to marry Marjorie Sinclair, three weeks before leaving for overseas.
He was captured in December 1944 in the Battle of the Bulge. After several months of walking and starving in the worst German winter in years, he was freed April 12, 1945, and soon regained his lost weight.
He was discharged from the Army in November 1945 and resumed his education at Michigan State, from which he graduated in June of 1948.
Royal's career was spent in the fruit growing industry, including teaching "Young Vets on the Farm," Michigan Farm Bureau, Smeltzer Orchard Company and the family cherry farm.
He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Benzonia. He sang in the choir for over 60 years, served as a trustee and was a member of Stephen's Ministry.
As a member of Kiwanis, he received the Hickson Award for community service and greatly enjoyed his involvement in the Terrific Kids program.
Other activities he enjoyed were his involvement in Benzie Community Chorus, golf and reminiscing with his 14th Cavalry comrades at their reunions.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie; his six children, Marsha (Scott) McDonald, Michael (Nancy), Steven, Susan (Leo) Hughes, Jeanne Cole (her fiancé, Matt Peters) and David. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jessica (Mark) Reed, Alison McDonald, Warren (Marina) Call, Andrew, Mariah and Adrienne Call, Caitlin and Rebecca Hughes, Morgan, Tyler and Brady Cole and soon-to-be grandson, Andrew Peters; three great-grandchildren, Sofia and Winston Call and Ella Reed; two sisters, May (Virgil) Johanningsmeier and Marion (Sandborn) Eldridge; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alden; his sister, Violet Worden; and two nieces.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Royal and Marjorie's loving caregivers, Mary Rineer, Paula Smeltzer and Linda D'Amico.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, at the Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, March 30, at the First Congregational Church in Benzonia, with the Reverend Daniel Fuhrman officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church in Benzonia, Benzie Area Historical Society or Mills Community House.
The family of Royal Call has entrusted funeral arrangements with the Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah; www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
I like to think that Royal is keeping the heavenly choir on time and in tune. I will always treasure his warm smile and way of making you feel welcome no matter where. His beautiful voice carried many of his fellow singers and never failed to send a chill or two down my spine. With fond regards to his wonderful family,
Diana Moss
April 03, 2009 | Beulah, MI
Our condolences go out to the Call family. From stories told from Warren, it sounds like Royal was, and will continue to be, a great influence and example. He passed a certain joy for life down to his family.
Nate & Jill Elhart
March 30, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
WE ARE BOTH SORRY TO HEAR OF ROYAL'S PASSING. IT IS IMPORTANT IN OUR LIFES TO SHARE MANY MEMORIES THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED. I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL DAD OR GRANDFATHER ON MAY 2ND.
LIZ & RON TOUSAIN
March 29, 2009 | WILLIAMSBURG, MI
