Royce Dean Vandegrift, 76, of Everton, passed away on June 15, 2026. He was born September 4, 1949, in Springfield, MO to Charles and Lucille (Keatts) Vandegrift. Royce and Conita (Moore) Vandegrift were united in marriage and to this union three children were born, Todd, Scott, and Carmen. On September 20, 2022, Royce and Rosemary Jones were married and shared those wonderful years together.

Royce was a hardworking man whose life was rooted in the land he loved. Through the years, Royce worked at S&H, Gordon's Feed Store in Greenfield, and farmed his land. Even his work away from home seemed to lead him back to farming and the livestock he enjoyed so much. He had a special love for horses and spent countless hours caring for them. In his younger years, he treasured time spent coyote hunting with his uncles. Royce also enjoyed Western swing dancing and valued the friendships and fellowship that came with it. Dedicated to his community, he served for many years on the Everton School Board. Above all, Royce loved his farm, finding great satisfaction in the work, the animals, and the simple pleasures of life on the farm.

Royce is survived by his wife, Rosemary Jones; children, Todd Vandegrift and wife Karen, Scott Vandegrift and wife Susan, Carmen Morrow and husband Tony; grandchildren, Tristan Vandegrift and wife Ashley, Ethan Vandegrift and wife Sydney, Josh Harris and wife Trish, Alexis Payton and husband Jeff, Gavin Vandegrift and wife Mariah, Landon Morrow, Piper Morrow, Harper Morrow, Jensen Morrow; great grandchildren, Aurora Vandegrift, Theodore Vandegrift, Ruby Harris, Atlas Vandegrift, Archer Vandegrift, Everly Payton; sister, Vicki Martin; and aunt, Betty Terry; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends.

Royce is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucille Vandegrift.

Visitation will be 2:00PM until service time, Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Memorial services will begin at 4:00PM, at the funeral home.