Royce Dean Hirt

Royce Dean Hirt, 80, of Rockdale, passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, in Bryan. 

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Rockdale with Chaplain Gary Roe officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.5, 2017, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home.

Royce was born May 21, 1937, in the Gay Hill Community to Emil Ernest and Elsie (Hazel) Hirt.  He married Artie Ashley on Feb. 7, 1997, in Rockdale. Royce worked at Rodenbeck Auto Supply in Thorndale for 25 years and for Commercial Contractors at Alcoa for over 17 years. He enjoyed roping, watching his great granddaughter rodeo, but most of all, he loved his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emil Ernest and Elsie Hirt; and sisters, Helen Griffith, Nova Lee Betchan and Lavon Ewing.

Royce is survived by his wife, Artie Hirt of Rockdale; daughters, Nancy Banks and husband Marshall of Salty, and Karen Banks and husband Clarence of Mineral Wells; step-daughters, Michelle Sabando and husband Rich of Fredericksburg, Va., and Melissa Turnage and husband Carl of Gause; grandchildren, Dusti Pesl and husband James, Kelsey Shipp and husband Dakota, and Tanner Banks and wife Layne; great-grandchildren, Kathryn, Carli and Caitline Pesl; brothers, Melvin Hirt and wife Betty of Thorndale, and Robert Hirt and wife Dorothy of Taylor; and sister, Marjorie Brown of Taylor.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Royce’s grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley at 502 West 26^th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803 or at www.hospicebrazosvalley.org.