Donald C. Royer

Donald C. Royer, 79, of Greeley, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, September 23, 2015, in Castle Rock, Colorado. Don was born in Greeley to Dean and Dorothy Royer and graduated from Greeley High where he played basketball and developed a love for music. His talent led him to be the organizer, arranger and piano player for the Ja-Da Quartet. In 1956 the group won the “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” award and began performing on hit television shows including Ed Sullivan, Perry Como and Pat Boone. The Ja-Da’s played in New York until 1960 when they gave their last performance on the Perry Como show.

After graduating from North Texas State University in 1962, Don returned to Greeley and eventually became President of the D.C. Royer Insurance Agency founded by his grandparents Daniel C. and Mary Royer in1913. The Royer Agency was the operating manager for several mutual insurance companies, the independent local agent for fourteen other insurance firms, and insured nearly all Weld County farmers through the Weld County Farmers’ Protective Association.

In 1970 he married Lola Mae Bulleigh and their daughter Dayna Marie was born in 1971. Jazz music continued to play a large role in his life as the pianist for the Greeley Jazz Lab Band. Don and Lola enjoyed their home in Estes Park and together they built their dream home in West Greeley where they continued to entertain friends and family until this year.

Don is survived by his daughter Dayna Royer Cregg (James) of Castle Pines, stepdaughters Beverly Parish of San Luis Obispo, CA and Paula Frank of Greeley, grandchildren Ben Parish of Washington, D.C. and McKenzie Lola Cregg of Castle Pines.

A private family burial at the Royer family plot will take place at Linn Grove Cemetery. A celebration of Don’s life will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 2pm at Kenny’s Steakhouse. Memorial contributions may be made to Suncrest Hospice in care of Allnutt Funeral Service.