Royce Branson was born on May 12, 1963 in Kansas City, MO, and departed this life on April 5, 2018. Services were held on April 10 in Magnolia, TX. He moved to Raton, NM in 1964. He graduated from Raton High School in 1981. He attended Arizona State University to pursue a degree in aeronautics. Royce loved flying and started taking lessons as a junior in high school and completed his flying lessons in Arizona.
After obtaining his commercial pilot’s license, he flew sightseeing tours in a 1930 Stinson Detroiter at Cape Cod. He was a pilot for: PBA, Bar Harbor, Rocky Mountain Express, Continental Express, and Continental Airlines. He ended his career as a United 757/767 Captain.
Royce married Jill in 2005. Their two sons, Rylan 10 and Ryder 5 were the love of his life. In recent years, Royce was really enthusiastic about taking the family on camping trips, both locally and out of state. He really enjoyed watching Rylan’s TaeKwondo classes, his musical accomplishments, and his academic achievements. Royce watched Ryder play T-ball and soccer and was looking forward to watching more of Ryder’s sports activities. Royce’s family was the center of his life.
In addition to his immediate family, Royce was one of those rare individuals who enjoyed his in-laws: father-in-law Jack, mother-in-law Anne, brother-in-law John (Laurie), and sister-in-law Tricia.
As we all know, Royce was always “All In”. When he started something: reviewing flying procedures, RV’ing, electronics, new ideas and experiences, he was “All In”.
Royce was proceeded in death by his Grand Parents, Roy and Lorene Grob.
He is survived by his wife Jill; sons Rylan and Ryder; mother Laverne; sister Renell; half -brothers David and Daniel Branson; Uncle Rex and Aunt Jackie; niece Monica (Alex, Mason, Juliet, Cameron),cousins Keith, Reece (daughter Sasha), and Bryan.
LaVern and Renell, We are so sorry for the loss of Royce. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We’re sure he will be sorely missed forever.
Sincerely, Carolyn & Cheryl
Please tell Royce’s family that I am broken hearted. Royce was one of my very best friends in school. We spent many days and nights together fishing with grandpa Roy and spending the night outside. He came to visit me once in Raton and it was a wonderful reunion. He was like a brother. I will miss him dearly.