Royce Van Pennington, affectionately known by the ones who loved him and attended the services during his ministry as “Brother Royce,” age 91, of Katy, Texas went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2024.
Born on March 30, 1933, in Gatesville, Texas, Brother Royce lived a life dedicated to faith and service. Ordained to preach at Oglesby Baptist Church on October 1, 1950, Brother Royce’s calling led him to Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he graduated on October 20, 1966, after also graduating from Baylor University. His ministry spanned a number of Southern Baptist churches in Central and East Texas, including those in Corrigan, Pennington, Blanchard, as well as the Gatesville and Oglesby area during his early years of ministry. After retiring from the ministry, he continued to serve as an interim pastor for various churches in East Texas, encompassing almost seven decades of service to the ministry which he adored, showing love and compassion to all that knew him.
Brother Royce also served as moderator for the Unity Association which is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was also very influential in creating interest and involvement in Vacation Bible School for kids in the summer. Youth programs were a driving element in his quest for spreading the word of God and creating unity and a sense of belonging in the church. He worked closely with the Piney Woods Baptist encampment to make the summer camps for the youth a successful and meaningful experience.
In addition to his pastoral work, Brother Royce volunteered for the draft during the Korean War, where he served as chaplain demonstrating his commitment to his country.
Brother Royce was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying these activities as much as he loved serving his community.
To his family, sons and grandchildren he was the loving Dad and Pa. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was always someone they could count on and didn’t hesitate to help anyone in need.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carilyn Pennington; sons, Zachary Pennington (wife Eileen Pennington), Art Pennington (late wife Irene Pennington), and Tim Pennington (wife Debora Pennington); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Meeks, his father, Van Otha Pennington; and sister, Johnne Roberta Hoover.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas, with a reception to follow. Visitation will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Choice Hospice for their compassionate support.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
