Lyle Royal

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Lyle Welch Royal, 93, of Virden, Ill., formerly of Advance, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at St. John's Hospice in Springfield, Ill.

He was born Jan. 19, 1920, at Swinton, Mo., to Lyman and Mary Royal. He and Virginia Margaret Norman were married March 6, 1943, in Pascagoula, Miss.

After serving his country in World War II, Lyle and Margaret moved to Cahokia, Ill., where he owned Royal's Highway Service Station. He later taught vocational classes at Cahokia High School. He and his wife retired to Virden in 1985.

Lyle was devoted to his family as well as active in his church and community.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret; two daughters, Elaine (Robert) Harrell of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Cecilia (Douglas) Pitchford of Girard, Ill.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and extended relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Gerland "Rusty" Royal.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Grace Southern Baptist Church in Virden.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, Ill.

Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Online guest book available at pitchfordfuneralhome.com.