Royce Gest 89, passed away peacefully at home in Houston, Texas on Friday August 5, 2022 after a battle with cancer. Royce was born in old Dimebox, Texas on March 4, 1933. He attended school at Round Top- Carmine High School and graduated in 1950. Soon after he moved to Houston and worked at St. Joe Paper Company. In 1951, Royce met the love of his life, Annie Mae Leggio at Bill Mraz Ballroom. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1953 and enjoyed 69 years of marriage together.
Royce joined the Houston Fire Department where he made many lifelong friends. He was loved and respected even after his 32 proud years of service. Royce retired as District Chief for the City of Houston Fire Department.
As a hobby he enjoyed owning and restoring old Ford cars and was a member of the Early Ford V8 Club. After retirement, Royce spent his time repairing lawn tractors and mowers.
Royce had many friends and never met a stranger. He was loved by all who knew him. He was kind, considerate, intelligent, loving, generous and very humorous. Royce loved telling stories and jokes as well as playing pranks on his co-workers, friends, and family. He was a light in any room!
Royce was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Vivian Gest; grandson, David and brothers, Louis Jr and Norman.
He is survived by his wife, Annie Mae; sons, Royce J. (Barbara) and Michael L.; daughter, Rose Ann Canik (Larry); grandchildren, Royce Paul(Jackie), Michael(Jenna), Cindy, Tina, Linda, Jennifer(Lucian), Angela (Kevin), and Sarah; great grandchildren, Marie, Evelyn, Luke, Matthew, Shane, Jacob, Nathaniel, Rebecca, and Kaitlyn; sister, Charlene Cordes (AL); brothers, Gerald(Joyce), and Delbert (Marilyn), and many nieces and nephews.
