Euliss Eugene "Gene" Royal, age 85 a longtime Portage resident passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at his home.  He was born on August 12, 1935 in Clanton, Alabama to the late Glen and Aline Royal.  Gene graduated from B.B. Comer Memorial High School, Class of 1954.  He served his country for 3 years in the U.S. Army spending 14 months in Korea and 7 months in Okinawa before his honorable discharge.  Gene retired from the U.S. Postal service in 1990 after 35 years of service.  He was a former member of the Portage Fraternal Order of the Eagles.  He enjoyed fishing, bird watching, doing things for others and his visits with the morning coffee club at the Portage McDonalds on Rte. 6.

He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Sandra Royal (nee Larson) of Portage, IN; one son, Kevin (Lisa) Royal of Topeka, IN; one daughter, Kristine Tidwell of Portage, IN; one brother, Selvin (Shirley) Royal of Trumann, AR; five grandchildren, Tanya (Steven) McClelland, Keri (Nik) Dieterich, Kaitlyn Royal, Natalee Tidwell, Erik Tidwell, five great-grandchildren, Ellie, Eli, Ava, Mia, and Miles.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Herman and Talmage Royal.

Cremation will take place with Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Portage.  (219) 762-3013