John Whitney Royston

John Whitney Royston, age 89 of Monroe, passed away on October 13, 2024.

He was born on the Whitney Horse Farm in Litchfield, MI on July 23,1935 to parents John and Wannetta Royston. He was an only child and grew up as a poor tenant farmer in a house with no indoor plumbing. His meager beginnings fueled him to provide for his own family in later years.

He was employed by Michigan Gas Utilities for 39 years, where, lacking a formal education, he worked his way up the old-fashioned way: through pure hard work, dedication, and treating people right. He was committed to his title as Safety and Training Director and often reminded people to “be careful”. His favorite part of his job was interacting with others, teaching and leading them to be better versions of themselves. Even after retirement, he took up positions helping customers at Sears and Lowes in Monroe.

John was charismatic, a textbook extrovert, and he made friends wherever he went. With a hint of mischief, he infused all of his interactions with humor and loved seeing who would catch on to his antics. His motto was, “You gotta have some fun.”

He was an avid golfer, World War II buff, and he took pride in being committed to civic engagements. He loved vodka on the rocks with olives, hot dogs, coffee (yes, sometimes even together), and grabbing breakfast with friends.

He loved the color yellow, watching the Lions and University of Michigan football, caring for his pet dogs, and traveling with his family.

By far the biggest pride of his life was watching his children grow, achieve their professional goals, and start their own families. The last years of his life were filled with the dedicated care and companionship of his beloved wife, Julia, and were enhanced by the immense joy and wonder brought by his grandson, Leo.

Left to live out his memory are his wife of 43 years, Julia, brother-in-law Rick (Cheryl) Macek, children John (Ann-Drea) Royston, Dr. Jennifer Royston-Motyka (Ronald), grandson Leo Motyka, and granddogger, Bonnie.

Also left to cherish his memory are daughter Denise Baker, and grandchildren Douglas (Lara) Baker, David (Jenna) Baker, Leon (Robin) Gibbs, and John (Amber) Gibbs, and sons-in-law, Jack Gibbs and Chris Steveson. He also leaves behind 15 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his first-born, Debbie, his parents, daughter Sheree Gibbs, granddaughter Michelle Steveson, and son-in-law Mike Baker.

John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, hardworking nature, and unwavering wit.

We love you, Dad. Bye, for now.

Please join us in celebrating his life Thursday, October 17 from 2-7pm at the Allore Chapel-Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 203 E. Elm, Monroe, MI. A celebration of his life will take place at 6pm.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to The American Heart Association or The Humane Society of Monroe County.