Royce E. Beeson, 88, North Webster, passed away unexpectedly at 2:11 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, in North Webster.

He was born on July 5, 1929, in Alexandria to John and Gladys (Weaver) Beeson.

He grew up in Alexandria and graduated in 1947 from Alexandria High School. He was married in 1954 to Rita Ann (Richards) Draper, they later divorced, but remained close friends, and she preceded him Feb. 12, 2017.

He retired from General Motors Delco Remy in Anderson after 31 years and was formerly a bus driver for Marion and Warsaw Community Schools. He moved to the North Webster area in 1987 from Gas City.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #607 in Frankton, Scottish Rite in Indianapolis, and S.P.E.C. senior citizens group in North Webster. He formerly attended the 1st Baptist Church in Alexandria and was a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Alexandria, Kiwanis in Gas City, Barbee Conservation Club, and formerly served on the Gas City Rescue squad for 30+ years. He was an avid Euchre player.

He is survived by his daughter, Patrise Beeson, North Webster; two step-sons: Dan Edward Draper, Upland; and Anthony Richard “Tony” Draper, North Webster; four step-grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren and one step-great-great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife, brother, Elmer Beeson, and sister, Velda Mae Cook.

Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd 15, Warsaw. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Owen Family Funeral home, St. Rd 13 & CR 500N, North Webster with Pastor J.J. Perry officiating. Private burial will take place in the North Webster Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be given to S.P.E.C. P.O. Box 471, North Webster, IN 46555 or Masonic Lodge, 103 N. Washington St., Frankton, IN 46044.

To send condolences to the family in memory of Royce Beeson, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com