Royal E. Rock, 86 of Elkhart, died Thursday June 4, 2015. The Wakarusa native was born March 8, 1929 to Raymond H. & Ruby (Longenecker) Rock. He graduated from Wakarusa High School with the Class of ''47. He was a veteran, having served in the US Navy and on May 20, 1951 he married Elsie DeGraff in Simpson United Methodist Church in Elkhart. On October 8, 2013, Elsie Rock preceded her husband in death after 62 years of marriage. Royal had retired from Elkhart Products and also previously worked for Adams & Westlake; he was a dedicated husband who was actively involved in scouting; he was the Scoutmaster of Troop 117 and held the Wood Badge. Royal enjoyed woodworking and also built 12 houses in the Elkhart area; he was a member of the Elkhart Bridge Club and was an avid stamp collector who also was known for speaking his mind and wrote an occasional letter to "The People''s Forum". In addition to Elsie, he was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Charlene Smith. Royal is survived by his children, Edward (Sandra) Rock of Elkhart, Robin A. Rock of Dallas TX and Kelly (Brian) Bowen of White Pigeon MI; grandchildren, Brenda (Adam) Arms, Christopher Rock and Matthew (Mary) Cunningham, all of Elkhart; Carol (Joann) Ledesma of Clarksville TN, Mary (Dominic) Gordon of Bristol and 12 great-grandchildren. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 7:30pm Monday June 8, 2015 in Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 4206 E. Bristol St. Elkhart IN 46514, where friends may call prior to the service, from 6-7:30. Private burial at a later date in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements through Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. The family''s preferred memorial is the Church. To sign the online guestbook or to offer condolences to the family, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.