Royce G Johnette

A Celebration of Life Service for Royce G. Johnette will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Oxford, Nebraska, with Pastor Wes Holen officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at the Moses Hill Cemetery in rural Phelps County, Nebraska, following a fellowship and luncheon at the church.

Royce Gene Johnette, 86 years of age, of Stamford, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at the Colonial Villa Good Samaritan Society in Alma, Nebraska. He was born November 22, 1928, in Holdrege, Nebraska, the youngest of nine children born to William Henry and Hattie Lillie Elnora (Nelson) Johnette. He lived with his family on a farm near Elwood until the spring of 1930, when the Johnette family moved one mile east of Stamford.

Royce grew to manhood helping his father farm. He graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1946.

After graduating from high school, Royce engaged in farming and rented Frank Lockart's farm. In 1950, he took over his father's farm and expanded his operations with more land and cattle. Royce continued farming for over 20 years. He then owned and managed apartments in Omaha, Nebraska, with his brother, John Johnette. He lived in Stamford part-time during this time. In 1969, Royce sold his farms and machinery; he then moved into Stamford with his mother and brother, Nelson. During this time, he developed a great and everlasting friendship with a wonderful lady, Elvera Payne. They enjoyed one another's company, and Royce enjoyed Elvera's children and families for the next 40 plus years.

In 1985, he began his career with the U.S. Postal Service, first as a substitute rural carrier and then full time in 1988 as rural carrier for the Stamford Post Office. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service on October 31, 2007.

Royce always enjoyed seeing and visiting with his brothers and sisters; not having children of his own, his many nieces and nephews were special to him throughout his life. In addition, he enjoyed many trips, especially those with family members. In 1969, he traveled to Florida to watch the Apollo 11 launch at NASA's Cape Canaveral.

Royce's yard was always important to him; he spent many hours mowing, watering and caring for it. He will be missed, but we have all been enriched having Royce in our lives.

Besides his parents, Royce was preceded in death by his long-time companion of 45 years, Elvera Payne, on November 20, 2014; two brothers: Clyde Johnette and his wife, Lola and Nelson Johnette; five sisters: Harriet Polk and her husband, Larry; Frances Ehrke and her husband, Lawrence; Dortha Willey and her husband, Wilson; Helen Shiffermiller and her husband, E. Dean; Wilma Simpson; one sister-in-law, Norma Johnette; and five nephews.

He leaves to mourn his passing one brother, John Johnette of Omaha; one brother-in-law, Elva Simpson of Orleans; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbors and friends.

A memorial book signing will be held on Monday, March 9, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford.

A memorial has been established in Royce's honor and kindly suggested to the Oxford Evangelical Free Church, the Stamford Fire and Rescue or the Aseracare Hospice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of arrangements.