Royce Jones Obituary

Royce Eldon Jones was born on October 28, 1941, to Viola Belle Fackler and Laurence Lowell Jones in the small town of Sterling, Colorado. He pursued one year of college before deciding to take a different path. Inspired by a desire for change, Royce traveled from his quiet hometown to the bustling streets of New York City, where he was accepted into the Mille School of Nursing, affiliated with Bellevue Hospital for Women. One of his fondest memories was stepping off the train in New York City, marveling with awe at the vibrant cityscape after leaving behind his humble roots. During his time in New York, Royce enlisted in an Army program that would allow him to complete his nursing degree while serving. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the Army's anesthesia program at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, DC. In 1963, Royce married Barbara Stanton and in 1967, they welcomed their daughter, Kimberly.
As an anesthetist and Captain in the Army, Royce was assigned to serve in Vietnam as part of the very first Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit, which relocated to three different cities during his deployment. Upon returning from the war, his next assignment took him to Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1969, Royce's family grew with the birth of his son, Joel. However, just six months later he was ordered to return to Vietnam. Royce chose to leave the Army instead, opting for a new opportunity in Clovis, New Mexico, where he was offered a position as head of the surgical and anesthesia departments at the old hospital on Thornton Street. Over the years, the hospital expanded and eventually moved to a new campus, now known as Plains Regional Medical Center (PRMC). Royce dedicated decades of compassionate service to the Clovis community, providing anesthesia care to thousands of patients. He became known for his personal touch, often asking expectant parents if they had decided on a name for their baby. If they hadn't, he would jokingly suggest, "I think Royce is a great name!" To his delight, one newborn (now an adult) carries "Royce" as her middle name! It was common for Royce to be recognized by former patients in restaurants, who would often report with heartfelt gratitude, "You were there when my baby was born! I couldn't have done it without you!" Royce retired from healthcare in December 2012 after more than 40 years of dedicated service to his community.
In 1989, Royce married Robin, and with this union he also gained a daughter, Charrissa. From the start, Royce made it clear that he was committed to building a meaningful relationship with Charrissa, often saying that he didn't just marry Robin-he married Charrissa as well. This was symbolized during their wedding when Charrissa stood between them during part of the vow exchange. Royce embraced his role as a father, sharing his wisdom, teaching her, and offering his love as he helped shape the woman, nurse, and mother she would become. Charrissa's deep respect and affection for her father were so profound that in 1998, she legally changed her last name to "Jones." Royce and Robin's marriage lasted 35 years, coming to a close with his passing in November.
Royce started his life as an athlete as a competitive wrestler in high school. As an adult, he was an avid runner and a proud member of the Roadrunner Running Club, traveling across the southwest to participate in races. While he enjoyed all race distances, marathons were his favorite and he accumulated numerous medals throughout his running career. When hip replacements ended his running career, Royce didn't slow down; he took up road cycling, once again pushing his physical
limits. He would routinely wake up at 3:30 a.m. to ride before starting his workday, and at the peak of his biking he logged an impressive 4,000 miles in a single year. Royce took great pride in his athletic
achievements. In his later years when outdoor biking was no longer safe, he shifted to riding his Peloton, continuing to enjoy the sport indoors. Outside of his physical pursuits, Royce was a dedicated crossword puzzle solver, an avid reader, and a music lover. He also enjoyed playing Wordle daily with his daughter, Kimberly. Above all, he cherished his home, his family, and his beloved dog Bocci, who was always by his side and brought him great joy.
Royce was a very special man and will be missed by all who knew him, but especially by those privileged enough to call him "Dad" and "Pofa". He shared his love with those who surrounded him and the world will never shine as brightly without him.
Royce is survived by Robin of the family home. In addition, his daughter Kimberly from Yorktown, Virginia, son Joel and Melanie Jones from San Antonio, Texas, and daughter Charrissa Jones from McKinney, Texas. Royce had four grandchildren-Jarred and Adreina Jones of Panama City, Florida; Joshua Jones of San Antonio, Texas; and Cole and Asher Levasseur of McKinney, Texas. In addition, one great-grandson Jaxxten Jones of Panama City, Florida. Close family members include a god-daughter Megan (Ferran) Horn-Molett of Celina, Texas; Gilbert and Roberta Ferran of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rebecca Cottone, also of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Barbara and Patrick O'Briant of Clovis, New Mexico.
Royce requested that no services be held, preferring instead that people remember him as they knew him. He has been cremated and is now back home, exactly where where he wanted to spend forever.
Remember his laugh, remember his love, and hug your loved ones close. We are forever and always loving you, Pofa.
Arrangements have entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 762-4435.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Royce, please visit our floral store.