A Man of Integrity, Chester Orval Royer, 85, of Foster, Oregon went to be with his Lord Thursday. He was born in Dalton, Nebraska to Chester Franklin and Hazel M. (Mauer) Royer.

His family moved to Oregon when he was eleven and settled in the Jefferson area and later in the Dever Connor area. In 1949 he met Shirley Hagle at the Lebanon Skate Rink. They married on October 22, 1950 and created their first home in the Foster area.

Chester loved flying, fishing, woodworking, kayaking and his Kubota tractor. In 1961 Wesley Marchbanks, Gene Rayner and Chester won the Santiam Soak in 38 minutes; five minutes ahead of 2nd place.

Chester worked for Willamette Industries (Foster division) for 41 years. After work he would get on his Kubota to till, grade or mow on his property or for other people. He was a true farmer at heart; always providing for his family. Chester had a talent for witching for water. He could tell you where to find water and how far down it was.

He served on the board of directors of the Hope Center. He was responsible for the remodeling of it into a functioning center. Chester was called a “quiet doer that never expected a thank you” earning him a VIP award in 1991 from the Sweet Home Presidents Club. He was featured in the New Era as volunteer of the week, November 13, 1996. He served as president of the Sweet Home square dancers club and was the occasional caller.

Chester helped build and was a member of the Evangelical Church. He volunteered his time for the church in many ways and sang in the choir.

He loved his family.

Chester is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Shirley, of Foster; children Jerry (Charlene) Royer of Salem, Gordon (Dawn) Royer of theMcKenzie River area, Laura Killian of Sweet Home, and David (Toy) Royer of Sweet Home; sister Louella Townsend of Lebanon; brother Arthur Royer of Crabtree; nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his brother, Ted Royer; sister Irene Townsend; grandson Luke Royer; and his parents, Chester and Hazel Royer.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 23, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church; 1347 Long Street, Sweet Home, Oregon 97386.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Chester’s name to the Sweet Home Hope Center or Evergreen Samaritan Hospice.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.