Obituary for Harold L. Royles III

Harold L. "Moose" Royles, III, of Topton, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 28, 2018, in St. Luke's University Health Network, Allentown. He was the loving husband of Connie L. (Rauenzahn) Royles, whom he married on February 2, 1974. Born in Philadelphia, Harold was a son of the late Harold L. Royles, II, and Bertha (Nabonzy) Stamm. He was raised by his mother, Bertha, and his step-father, William Stamm. Harold was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Topton, and attended Governor Mifflin High School.

Moose honorably and faithfully served his country in the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army, with two tours of Vietnam. He was a recipient of The Purple Heart Award and The Bronze Star Medal Award with Valor. Harold was employed in the railroad industry for 37 years, first working for The Reading Company, then Conrail Corp., and finally, Norfolk Southern, where he retired as an Inspection Foreman in 2009. He also worked for Atlas Minerals & Chemicals, Inc., Mertztown. Moose was a member of The Purple Heart Association, Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton, and Topton Fish and Game Association. He enjoyed camping, woodworking, building wooden birdhouses, and drinking coffee on his deck with his puppy, Rambo. Moose was also a Civil War "Buff" and loved being retired!

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Connie, Harold is survived by his two children, Lindsay B. (Royles), wife of Pastor Howard H. Fernsler, Pottsville, and Steven E. Royles, companion of Jen L. Reinhard, Kutztown; and a sister, Cynthia Stamm, Mertztown. He was predeceased by his father, mother, step-father, sister, Christine Yost, and brother, Michael Royles.

A memorial service to celebrate Moose's life and military honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, will be held privately by his family as per his request.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Moose's memory to Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation, P.O. Box 49, Annandale, VA 22003. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.