Obituary

John “Jack” Royston, 86, died on Jan. 3, 2011, at Derby Health and Rehabilitation Center in Derby. He was born on July 30, 1924, in Newton to Ben and Ella Royston. He was a lifetime resident of Newton. Jack was a World War II veteran. He joined the Navy in October 1941 at the age of 17. He was assigned to the USS Dixie, which was stationed in New London, Conn., as part of the Atlantic Fleet. He also was part of the Navy’s submarine unit. His duties took him to Hawaii and Panama. He returned to Newton in 1945, where he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until he opened his own business in 1959. Jack was a local businessman for 51 years, active in the community and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jack married Mary R. Royston, who preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 1956. Jack is survived by two sons, Benjamin and John R., and four daughters, Mary, Patricia, Lora and Margaret. He also is survived by two sisters, Roberta Shelor and Carol Smalley, along with eight grandchildren. The Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Jan 28) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Jan 29) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial services will be at Greenwood Cemetery. A lunch will be at the church cafeteria after the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.