Gilbert Royer, 92, of Hampton Twp., our kind, friendly and caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend was born into eternal life on the evening of Sunday, August 18, 2013 at McLaren Bay Region. Gil was born in Mt. Carmel, IL. on December 5, 1920, the son of the late Gilbert and Arcie (Dixon) Royer. He graduated from high school in Vincennes, IN. and would go on to proudly serve our country with the U.S. Marine Corps as a pilot on an aircraft carrier during World War II. While working at Kresge, Gil would go on to meet and marry the love of his life, the former Virginia Young. They were united in marriage on June 25, 1951 in Mt. Carmel, IL. In 1973, the family moved to Bay City, where Gil ran the non-foods division of Bay City Milling for twenty years. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and St. John the Evangelist Church. Gil leaves behind his devoted wife of over sixty years, Virginia Royer; loving children, Charles and wife, Jane (Haggitt) Royer of Freeland and Michael Royer and wife, Lisa Manor of Munger. He was the proud and loving grandpa of Shane Royer, Jeremy and wife, Jamie Haggitt and Noah and Nathan Troxell. Gil is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Karley and Parker Haggitt and Cole Royer; sister-in-law, Betty Kalmeyer; dear friends, Dolores Beyer & Family and Dick and wife, Shirley Sargent, as well as several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Gil was welcomed home to heaven by his step-father, Henry South; sisters, Francis Hoffman and Margaret Kopp; his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Bertha Young and brother-in-law, Irv Kalmeyer. Gil's family will be present to receive visitors on Monday, August 26, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his Memorial Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., Essexville. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with inurnment to follow at a later date in St. Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Gil may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 1480 W. Center Rd., Essexville, MI. 48732 or St. John the Evangelist Church.