Royce Howard Lengele

Royce Howard Lengele, born on July 19, 1948, in Prineville, Oregon, passed away peacefully at his home in Redmond, Oregon, on January 12, 2025, after a short battle with cancer and kidney failure. He was 76 years old.

Royce grew up in Madras, Oregon, as the youngest of four children. Known for his mischievous spirit, he discovered a lifelong passion for woodworking during his school years. Over time, he honed his craft and became a skilled artisan, creating beautiful furniture and working on various construction projects.

Royce's adventurous spirit extended to the outdoors, where he enjoyed boating and hunting with his family at the Ochoco National Forest. He also had a love for rodeo, both as a spectator and as a participant in bronc riding.

In 1967, Royce joined the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam as a diesel engine mechanic and .50-caliber gunner on PT boats navigating the Mekong Delta. His bravery during combat earned him the Purple Heart on December 30, 1968, along with other commendations. After a brief hiatus from service-during which he drove an 18-wheeler semi-truck fondly called the "Grey Ghost"-Royce re-enlisted in 1980. He served as a cryptologist and was stationed in Italy, Spain, San Diego, and California's Skaggs Island before retiring honorably in 1993.

Royce's passions included hunting, fishing, rodeo, and caring for horses. He especially cherished his quarter horse, Windy, whom he owned for 25 years. Royce also worked at Windridge Farms in California, where Windy was born.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents Ted Ray and Katherine Marie Lengele (née Halbach), brothers Raymond and Lyndon Lengele, and his daughter Cindy Lengele. He is survived by his wife Catherine "Trina" Boas-Lengele; sister Roxanne Wiggs; ex-wife Connie Lengele; son Kevin Lengele and spouse Maria Elena (Carbo); grandchildren Emily Ann Colon, Mathew Brian Lengele, and Camila Sophia Lengele; great-granddaughter Everly Lengele; Betty Lengele (spouse of Raymond), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 21, at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.