Royce Henry Heseman

Royce Henry Heseman passed away peacefully in Ridgecrest, California on October 31, 2025 at the age of 99 years and 7 months. Royce was born on March 27, 1926 in San Francisco, California to Henry and Elsie Heseman. He had one younger sister, Viola. Royce lived in St. Louis, Missouri and Ontario, California before coming with his family to live in Trona, California in 1937.

After attending school for a brief period in Inyokern, Royce finished his school career at Trona High School, graduating from Trona in the class of 1943. Following graduation, Royce joined the Army Air Corps where he served our country during the end of World War II as a belly gunner on the B17 bomber aircraft.

From his first marriage, Royce became the proud father of three children. Upon his second marriage to Elaine Rummer, her three children also became part of the Heseman family.

Heseman's Argus Market, owned and operated first by Henry and Elsie, then by Royce and Viola, became a legendary business in Trona for many years. People still talk about how much they miss that store that carried everything a family needed with service that was incomparable. The business was sold in 1981, and Royce and Elaine moved to Ridgecrest where they lived out their days. Royce served his new community by volunteering at the Salvation Army and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.

Royce is survived by four of his six children, Kathleen Heseman Courts, Mike Heseman (Jeanne), Kirk Heseman (Cathy), and Tim Rummer (Joanna); grandsons, Jeff Courts (Jacqui) and Mike Courts (Jenny); great-grandchildren, Callie, Bailey, and Michael Courts. He is also survived by his nephews, Mark, Hal, and Tad Smith. Royce was preceded in death by Elaine, his wife of 63 years, his step-sons, Gary and Lynn Rummer, and his sister, Viola Heseman Smith.

Royce will be laid to rest at Desert Memorial Park in Ridgecrest, California. A plaque will be placed alongside that of Elaine. As per his request, services will be private, for family only.

Royce Heseman was a kind and gentle man, full of integrity, who was very much loved by his family and all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Dad.

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