Royce Simon

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Royce Simon, 93, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Fr. Brian Simon presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Lebanon, with military honors. A wake will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the church with a visitation one hour prior.

Royce Myron Simon was born June 27, 1930, in Bowdle, SD, to Matt and Grace (Clark) Simon.  He grew up on the family farm, which has been in the family for over 100 years.  Royce had a great love for horses and spent many hours enjoying them. 

He attended the old Lebanon School in Lebanon, SD.  Royce served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1957, returning home to help work on the farm.  He met Betty Louise Grau, and they were married on April 4, 1959, in Faulkton, SD.  They lived on the family farm and worked it together. Royce served on the Farm Credit Board from 1994 to 1997, and he was a County Commissioner for Potter Country from 1992 to 1996.  

Royce is survived by his three sons: Ronald “Ronnie” of Lebanon, SD, Rodney “Rod” of Aberdeen, SD, and Randy (Marilyn) of Hooper, Utah; three step granddaughters; ten great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; four brothers: baby boy Simon, Sylvester Simon, Gerald Simon, and Edward Simon; and seven sisters: Lavicia Vikre, Lucille Kuhns, Edith Baus, Joyce Benck, Althea Simon, Sylvia Bergeson, and Victorine Schlezes. 

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Royce’s arrangements.