During the morning hours of New Year’s Day, Royal left us for his heavenly home. He had stayed here as long as he could, always determined, always persistent in everything he did, during every trial, tribulation or illness of his lifetime. He always fought a good fight and those who have known him were privileged. He loved the Lord, he loved his family, and he loved every person who touched his life.
Royal was born Jan. 17, 1941, in Livingston County, Illinois, to Floyd David and Elva Dorthy (Taylor) Lighty. He was the fourth child of six children.
Royal was raised on a farm in Emington, Illinois. He graduated from Dwight High School, Dwight, Illinois in 1959. He served in the military in 1963-64. He farmed with his dad and brother until 1969 when he moved to Crawfordsville.
Royal’s dream was to farm and to raise pigs which he did until August 1972 when his journey took him in a different direction. He experienced an injury that prevented him from working for several years during which time he was able to spend time with his children and take classes at Indiana Business College while he sought a job that he was physically able to do. When he was able to return to work, he worked at Farmer’s Hybrid Company managing Boar Power Sales Center. Afterwards he worked at Raybestos for 26 years, retiring in 2006.
Royal enjoyed the outdoors and riding his four-wheeler on trails through the woods. He loved to hunt pheasants and deer. He loved keeping up with current farming trends, reading and listening to gospel music. He was an excellent storyteller and always cared about others. He loved animals and all wildlife. His favorite gospel song and theme of his life was “Through it All, I’ve Learned to Trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God, I’ve learned to depend upon his word” by Andre Crouch.
He married Barbara Jean Evans on Feb. 18, 1967, at Independence Hill Church of the Nazarene in Lake County, Indiana. Born to them were three children, VaLaine (Clayton) Lighty-Peters and Melanie (Dennis) Beach, both of Crawfordsville, and Shaun Chandler Lighty, Indianapolis.
Grandchildren are Everett Chandler and McQuillin James Lighty of Indianapolis; Evan Beach, Florence, Kentucky; and Josie (Leif) Murray of Ocoee, Florida.
Siblings are Wendell (Doris) Lighty, Saunemein, Illinois; Will (and Roxy in heaven) Lighty, Canby, Oregon; Ron and Diane Lighty, Knoxville, Tennessee; Jerry and Judy Lighty, Marion, Illinois; and Wanda Lighty-Blessing-Shanley in heaven. Also, sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Larry Lesich, St. John, Indiana, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at Burkhart Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Greg McDonald officiating. A graveside service will be held afterwards at Indian Creek Hill Cemetery, Crawfordsville.
