Royce Arthur King

Royce Arthur King, 98, of Oelwein, Iowa, went to meet his Lord Jesus on February 2, 2022. at the Oelwein Health Care in Oelwein.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Methodist Church in Oelwein or the American Legion Ross Reid Post #9 in Oelwein.

The Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein is assisting the family.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Royce was born July 2, 1923 on the family farm near Lime Springs, Iowa, the second son of Harold Jackson and Ruth Howland King.

As a child, he lived and enjoyed the farm life, fishing in the creek with his brother Robert, walking to country school, always with his eyes to the skies and a dream to be flying airplanes. At age 10, his family moved to Oelwein, Iowa. His father and uncle Claude King operated the Oelwein Implement Company, an International Harvester Company business. At Oelwein High School, he participated in track, band, basketball, vocal choir music, and drama. He joined Grace United Methodist Church in April 1939 and was active in the choir, later serving on several committees.

He became a member of Boy Scout Troop 35 in Oelwein in 1941, ultimately reaching the Eagle Scout rank.

After graduating high school in 1942, Royce enrolled in Iowa State College for one semester. His intended major was mechanical engineering.

In January 1943, Royce enlisted in the US Army Air Corps as an Army Air Force Cadet, and was selected to join the pilot training program. Fulfilling a life-long dream to be an airplane pilot, he earned his coveted wings in June 1944. His military education included studies of mathematics, physics, navigation, English, geography, history, code, radio, flying techniques, meteorology, engines, maintenance and repair of aircraft. Entering active service on August 4, 1944, he piloted C-47 airplanes and commanded crews. He operated the airplanes under varying flying conditions on 226 combat missions, transporting cargo and personnel from one air base to another in the China - Burma - India Theater of Operations, over the Himalayan Mountains, aka "The Hump", logging 1170 flying hours. On leave, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances (Frankie) Kvasnicka, on September 16, 1944.

He was honorably discharged from active service on April 1, 1946, as Captain, having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two clusters, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two stars, American Theater Ribbon with three stars, China Memorial Ribbon, China Liberation Ribbon, Chinese Commemoration medal with pilot wings, World War II Victory Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Staying in the military reserve for several years, he earned the Air Force Reserve medal with star and the Cold War Commemoration medal. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. In 1975, Royce was recognized by the Air Reserve Personnel Center for outstanding service and dedication to the US Air Force Reserve. His collected memoirs have been recorded in his book "Who Will Play The Violins?"

Royce and Frankie purchased their first home in Oelwein in 1948, later building their present home in 1953. Their son, James Royce, was born in December 1949 and their daughter, Susan Kathreen, was born in June 1953.

Royce joined with his brother Robert and cousin Milton Andrews as partners in the Oelwein Implement Company (OIC) and worked there until they sold the business in 1980. They achieved the Senior Dealer Award when the OIC achieved 40 years of continuous representation of the International Harvester Farm Equipment. He wrote of his experiences in the book: "A History of the Oelwein Implement Company".

He worked for the Oelwein Community School system in the maintenance department for six years, receiving the Award of Merit when he resigned in October 2004. During this time, Royce and Frankie enjoyed camping and trailering with friends around the USA and Canada. They wintered several years on the south coast of Alabama. They hosted friends and family in their home for over 75 years.

His special interest as a member of the Lions Club included work with the eyeglasses program. With the help of other volunteers, thousands of used glasses were refitted, cataloged by prescription, packaged and sent out for distribution to those in need in other countries. In 2005, the Lions Club International awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the International Presidents in recognition of distinguished achievements and service. In 2007, Royce was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow for his dedicated humanitarian services over 50 years in the Lion's Club and became a life member in 2009. He achieved the Lions Warren Coleman Honorary Award from the Iowa Lions Club Sight and Hearing Foundation for dedicated service in Lionism.

Royce was also active in:

Royce also provided transportation many times for families in need to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota.

Royce would like to be remembered as loving his family, his God, his country, little children, red tractors, chocolate, airplanes, and a special dog named Herald. His pride came from service to his country and community and the success of his children.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother Robert.

Surviving him are his wife Frankie, son James (Brenda) King, daughter Susan (Jim) Bilodeau, sisters Carolyn Oakman and Marylyn Chapman, several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.