ROYAL, Gerald - Col. Vietnam
Source: The Fountain County Neighbor, September 26, 2001, pg A3
NEWTOWN — Retired Army Col. Gerald Clifford “Jerry” Royal, 68, Emerson, Neb., formerly of Newtown, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001 in St. Luke's Hospital, Sioux City, Iowa. He was born Nov. 25, 1932 in rural Fountain County and was raised in Newtown. He married Mary Hayman Sept. 11, 1952. She survives. In 1981, he retired to Emerson from the Army as a colonel, serving 30 years. He began his military career in the National Guard, where he was a captain, and began active duty with the Army in 1962. He served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1968 and in Germany from 1972 to 1976. His decorations include a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. Previously, he worked at an auto dealership, built and repaired televisions and sold insurance. From 1982 to 1995, the couple managed Wakefield Golf Course in Emerson. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Emerson, American Legion Post 60, Retired U. S. Army Officers Association and Wakefield and Pender golf courses. Survivors, besides the wife, include: a son John (Karla) Royal, Mesa, Ariz.; two daughters, Debra (Lyle) Jasa, Lincoln, Neb., and Connie (Robert) Albrecht, Emerson; and a sister, Nellie Royal Hardy, Covington. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald D. Royal. Funeral services were held in Emerson. – jlr
