Royce Everett Eslinger was born September 24, 1922, the firstborn of five children of Fred and Drotha (Gardiner) Eslinger. He served in the army during World War II in Germany with the 103 Infantry Division (Cactus Division), whose duty it was to go behind enemy lines to find where enemy troops were. It was a dangerous assignment and few of the unit returned home. He received two bronze stars for his service.

Shortly after returning home, he married Evelyn Price. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on May 4 of this year.

Royce is predeceased by his siblings (Yvonne, Edward, Don and Rosalie) as well as three children (Louise, Evelina and Calvin). He is survived by: his wife, Evelyn; children, Linda (Anthony) Wasilkoff, Ona (Raymond) Boyd and Glenda Eslinger; grand-children Paul (Coreen) Wasilkoff, Cheri (Jared) Williams, Benjamin Boyd, Charley Hogue, Christal (Willie) Curtis, Wayne Hogue, Thomas Hogue, Bonnie Hogue, Jeromy (Lynn) Eslinger, Justin (Amanda) Eslinger, Tammy (Dustin) Crouch, and Randy Black; and 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Graveside Memorial services with Full Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 14, 2018 in the Jackson Cemetery, Romance, MO.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.