Ralph A. Royer, 80, of Claypool, Ind., died at 8:50 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at his residence.

He was born at Virigwi, Nigeria, on July 26, 1932, to Harold A. and Gladys (Hawbaker) Royer. He attended high school in Nigeria and Dallas Center, Iowa.

After attending McPherson College, Kan., he served as 1-W alternative military service in Nigeria from 1953-1955. Upon his return, he completed his college degree and graduated in 1957.

On April 17, 1955, he married Florence S. Miller. She died Feb. 25, 2005.

Ralph and Flossie served as missionaries for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria for 18 years. Later, Ralph served as director of Church World Service in Niger for 11 years. He also served in Liberia for 2 years where he was involved with war relief work. Returning to Indiana in 1986 he worked in construction for the next 20 years. He poured his time, energy and love into the Eel River Church and surrounding community. On April 29, 2006, he married Barbara (Peters) McFadden.

For the last six years Barbara has joined Ralph in his efforts.

He is survived by his wife: Barbara, Claypool; three daughters: Linda Shankster, Elkhart, Ind.; Roxane (Carl) Hill, Abilene, Texas; Sylvia (Andrew) Taussig, Oklahoma City, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Norann Blough, Bruderhof Community, N.Y.;

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114 West, North Manchester, Ind. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.17, at Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, 2507 E. SR 14, Silver Lake, Ind. Pastor Andrew Sampson will officiate the services and burial will be in Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Ralph A. Royer, memorial contributions may be made to Kulp Bible College (a pastor’s training school in Nigeria).