Royal A. Elder

Royal A. Elder, 94, of Topeka, passed away May 6, 2015. Royal was born the eleventh of twelve children to David and Edith Elder on March 8, 1921 in Oregon, Missouri. His siblings have all preceded him in death.

He moved to Yates Center, Kansas after high school where he met and married Shirley Ann Stoll in October of 1941. Royal was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1942 and served in the jungles of Panama guarding the Panama Canal. Upon his return he opened the first of two Elder's Dry Goods in Yates Center.

His love for the outdoors led him to become an Assistant Game Warden in 1959 and shortly after, a Game Warden. In 1960 he became the first Game Warden of the newly created Tuttle Creek Lake in Riley County and moved his family to Manhattan, Kansas.

In 1973 Royal wrote and implemented the first hunter safety program in the state of Kansas. His promotion to Hunter Safety Coordinator would move him and Shirley to Pratt, Kansas. His program was soon to be recognized nationwide for its excellence. He continued with the Fish and Game Commission holding several administrative positions including Chief of Law Enforcement.

Following his retirement, his innate sense of adventure and showmanship led him to Auctioneer School and the founding of the Royal Auction Service. He and his wife also spent many years traveling the nation visiting 49 states, all Providences of Canada and a trip to Europe.

Royal is survived by his wife of 73 years, Shirley; three sons: David (Carole) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Stephen (Julie) of Topeka, Kansas and Kelley of Owensboro, Kentucky; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions in Royal's honor may be made in lieu of flowers to Topeka Presbyterian Manor, 4712 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66606.