Royce Lon Wilks

Royce "Roy" Lon Wilks, born Lon Royce Wilks, Jr., on October 2, 1934, in Whittier, California, died at the age of 90 on August 10, 2025.

The son of Lon Royce and May Belle Wilks, Roy grew up in Downey, California, alongside his brother, Doug E. Wilks. A graduate of Downey High School (1952), Roy went on to attend the University of Southern California, graduating in 1957. While at USC, he was a proud member of both the water polo and swimming teams. He later earned a post-graduate teaching credential in Social Studies and Business, which paved the way for his career in education.

In December 1960, Roy was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. Although he did not serve in combat, his time in the service reflected his sense of discipline and leadership.

Roy dedicated much of his professional life to Mt. San Antonio College (MSAC), where he served as a teacher and head coach of swimming and water polo for more than two decades. He mentored countless student-athletes, sharing not only his knowledge of sport but also his belief in hard work, preparation, and perseverance.

Alongside his former wife, Barbara, Roy also co-founded Water Polo Scoreboard, a pioneering magazine that became the leading publication for the sport for several decades. The magazine gave voice to the water polo community at a national and international level, making a lasting contribution to the growth of the sport.

Roy's passion for the water extended well beyond the pool. He was a credentialed lifeguard, water safety instructor, and scuba diving instructor, spending many summers body surfing and diving along the beaches of San Diego. His lifelong connection to the ocean reflected both adventure and joy.

He is survived by his son, Fred L. Wilks (Christie), and his grandchildren, Sawyer and Baylor Wilks. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael E. Wilks, in October 2024.

Roy will be remembered for his dedication to teaching, coaching, and advancing the sport of water polo, as well as for his enduring love of the ocean. His influence lives on in the athletes he coached, the magazine he helped establish, and the legacy he leaves in the world of aquatics.

A visitation followed by a brief service will be held at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11 a.m.