Royal Hugh Story, 97, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 4:45 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Mt. Vernon Healthcare.

He was born in Mt. Vernon on Dec. 13, 1911, a son of Samuel Martin and Ada (Doris) Story.

He married Maxine Fitts on Sept. 5, 1995, and she survives in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Story first started as a farmer, raising cattle, then worked as an oil producer. He operated a grain elevator, had rental properties, sold real estate and operated Royal Glassware.

He worked and helped manage the State Game Farm.

He was a charter member and on the board of directors at Bank of Illinois.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. Melvin Larson and Robert Fitts officiating. The eulogy will be given by Ava Rawlings. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn with a graveside military service conducted by Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141.Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral homewith a Kiwanis walk-through at 6 p.m.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Story is survived by one daughter, Eula Jean Richardson and husband Marvin of Mt. Vernon; two grandchildren, Kerry Richardson and wife Barbara of Mt. Vernon and Lawanna Kendrick and husband Paul of Mt. Vernon; five great-grandchildren, Clifton, Brent and Jason Richardson and Ranzie and Christopher Kendrick; four step-grandchildren, Dawn Duncan, Chris Duncan, twins Brooke Duncan and Ashley Duncan; a brother, Bill Story of Opdyke; two stepsons, Tommy Glen Duncan and special friend Phyllis Garner of Mt. Vernon and James Roy Duncan and special friend Joyce Morgan of Ina; and many special friends and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertha (Willmore) Story who died in 1994; four sisters; and one brother. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, was a lifetime member of the Kiwanis, a member of the American Legion and mentioned in the Senior Saints Hall of Fame.

He spentseveral winters in Florida.

Royal served in the United States Navy.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Date: March 30, 2009