Kenneth Douglas Royar

Obituary of Kenneth Douglas Royar

Rev. Kenneth D. Royar

07/06/1936-09/24/2025

Visitation: 11/29/2025 09:30-11:00 A.M.

Memorial Service: 11/29/2025 11:00 A.M.

First United Methodist Church

214 Jefferson St.

Iowa City, IA.

The Rev. Kenneth Douglas Royar was born in Kansas City, MO., July 6, 1936, to Robert and Virgina Cordray Royar, the first of three children.

His father's employment with the Army Corps of Engineers resulted in many moves within MO., Ok. and TX. Ken graduated from Polytechnic H.S. in Ft. Worth where he played cornet. He then attended Texas A&M for 2 years before transferring to Texas Wesleyan College to pursue the ministry. The was not what his father had planned for his son. He wanted Ken to be an aeronautical engineer. (Which Ken's son later became.) While at Texas Wesleyan he participated in tennis and musical productions. His love of singing remained a great joy throughout his life. Following his graduation from TWC, he received his Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

He served as youth director in Ft. Worth before transferring to St. John's UMC in Davenport, IA in 1966. He came to St. John's for the job interview saying, "I'm not taking the job, but I like to fly so I'll come for an interview." He took the position and never left the state. From there he served United Methodist churches in Iowa City, Keokuk, LeMars and retired from Fairfield to return to Iowa City,

On May 23, 1982, following the morning worship service in Iowa City, he and Gayle Roesch Baldridge were married.

He served 42 yrs. in the ministry.

Ken practiced what he preached. He never smoked nor drank until working with tourists in Austria. There he was served the best hot chocolate, only to learn it contained rum. Playing bingo was gambling and he would never participate until he was in the nursing home.

Ken was a true gentleman and a great mentor; always putting others first. Even at church potlucks he made sure he was the last to go through the serving line. He knew no stranger and was welcoming to all, regardless of gender, race, political preference, etc. He said being with families at the worst times of their lives and the best of times of their lives was a great honor for him. His first priority in life was serving the members of his congregation. He continued to minister to other residents in his nursing home as long as he was able.

While serving at LeMars United Methodist Church, Ken and Gayle's home became a welcoming gathering place for many international students from various countries who attended Westmar College. They have continued this tradition to this day.

Ken died September 24, 2025, at Briarwood Health Care Center in Iowa City after a very difficult struggle with Parkinson's Disease and dementia. He never complained and was always thanking the staff for all they did for him.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gayle, a part of whom also died. Other survivors: daughter, Anne Kerber (Andy), son Retired Major Gen. K. Todd Royar (Mary Lou), daughter, Rachael Vivian (Travis), brother Robert Royar, sister Ginger Lawhon (Mack), and 10 grandchildren.

Memorials may be left in Rev. Royar's memory to Fairfield First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Court St., Fairfield, IA 52556.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the above memorial or a memorial of your choice.

Thank you to all who shared in Ken & Gayle's life journey.

A special thank you to the loving staff and other residents at Briarwood Health Care Center, Essence of Life Hospice and to Dan Ciha.