Royce Nairene Holcomb

Royce Nairene Holcomb, Sr., 85, of Shel-Mar in New Philadelphia, died in his home on Wednesday, April 14, 2004.He was born in Roanoke, VA on March 1, 1919 to the late Richard and Clara B. Peale Holcomb. On July 9, 1938, Royce married the former Elizabeth I. Best, a marriage that lasted for 56 years until her death on May 30, 1994. During World War II, Royce served honorably with the U. S. Navy and was discharged in 1945.Royce had a life-long love of trains. He worked as a fireman and engineer for Penn Central and Conrail for more than thirty-six years, retiring in 1982. A former member of the New Philadelphia Loyal Order of Moose, Royce also enjoyed playing Bingo.Daughters, Karen Wiggins of Stuart, FL; Barbara Lorenz and Joyce Taylor, both of Bolivar; a son, Roy N. Holcomb, Jr., of New Philadelphia; 16 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, several brothers and sisters, survive him. In addition to his parents and wife, three daughters, Shirley Garrett, Jo Ann Walton and Judy Cunningham; a son, James Joseph Holcomb and a grandson, Bryan Lynn Cunningham, preceded Royce in death.Friends and family are invited to the graveside service on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at Evergreen Burial Park with Rev. Glen A. Shedlock officiating at 1:30 PM. There will be no calling hours prior to the service or reception following.In place of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, P. O. Box 182039, Dept. O13, Columbus, OH 43218-2039.