Royce Edward DeLaney

Royce Edward DeLaney, 90, formerly of Big Rapids and Boyne City, died April 9, 2019 at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan, Michigan.

Royce was born July 16, 1928, the son of Virgil and Clara (Decker) DeLaney. Royce was born in Boyne City but spent some of his childhood years in Grand Haven until moving back to Boyne City where he attended and graduated from Boyne City High School. Royce was a four year letterman in basketball, baseball and football as well as the quarterback. He also served as president of both his freshman and sophomore classes, and president of student council in his senior year.

He started his career in 1950 at Consumer Power Company as a tree trimmer and retired in 1987 as supervisor of tree trimming. For many years he played Santa Claus in Boyne City and also participated in Boyne City Sports Booster program. He became a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Boyne City at the age of 18 and acquired lifetime membership in Big Rapids Eagles.

Royce married June Kuhlman on January 23, 1950 and spent 67 wonderful years together until she passed in June 2017. Surviving are their children, Kathy (Tim) DeLaney-Jones, Steven (Monica) DeLaney and Tamara (Paul Gough) DeLaney; grandchildren, Heather (Alex) Costas, Heidi (Kyle) Mellema and Stephanie (Marty) Vance; great grandchildren, Andru and Brandon Costas, Delaney and Mason Mellema, Thomas and Zachary Vance.

There will be a memorial service at Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City, MI on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor David Behling will officiate. Following the memorial service there will be a luncheon and time to share memories at Boyne City Eagles Club (backroom).

Donations are asked to be directed to Perry Farm Village of Harbor Springs.

Stone Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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