He was born on September 13, 1940 in Smithfield, Illinois, to Harlan and Dorma (Bevard) Van Order. He married Grace Majors on February 1964 in East Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Bonnie Van Order of East Peoria, and Robert (Jennifer) Van Order of Washington, IL; his grandchildren, Courtney Krider, Haley (Cameron) Bray, and Dustin Van Order; and his brothers, Glore Van Order, and Loyal (Gayala) Van Order.
Royal is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Harlene Van Order.
He worked for Caterpillar for 32 years until his retirement in 1996. Royal enjoyed watching TV and movies in his spare time. He used to woodwork when possible, and in his youth he especially loved drag racing, and earned himself a trophy.
A funeral service will be held at Remmert Funeral Home on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11am, with a visitation to start an hour prior at 10am. Burial will take place at Fondulac Cemetery.
Words of comfort may be shared with the Van Order family at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com