Gene R. Roys, 79, of Byron Center, died Friday, March 27 at home.

Born April 15, 1940, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of the late Adolph R. and Margaret E. (Sommerdyke) Roys and was the husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (Waters) Roys. Gene was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the American Legion.

He had worked as a master plumber and pipefitter for Sommerdyke Brothers Plumbing, as well as General Motors. Gene enjoyed being outside gardening and loved to go hunting. He was also an avid reader.

Besides his wife, Betty, Gene is survived by his children, John Roys and Sue Nagelkirk Roys, Patrick Roys and Laura Abbott Roys, Mary Roys Boswell and John Boswell, Roberta Roys Bowden and Kevin Vaughn, Katherine Roys, Michael Roys and Jeannine Torongo Roys; siblings, Dennis Roys and Barbara Weber Roys and Mary Jo Roys Drueke and Paul Drueke; sister-in-law, Sandra Roys; grandchildren, Victoria Roys, Faith Roys, Kelsey Roys, Ben Roys, Taylor Kerwin, Jack Bowden and James Roys. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Jim” Roys.

In accordance with recent regulations regarding the pandemic, and in an effort to maintain the health and safety of loved ones, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at St. Mary’s Visitation Parish by Rev. Fr. Christopher Derda. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery.

Anyone wishing to have a private moment of prayer and pay their final respects to Gene may visit Gorden Funeral Residence, 208 W. Main St., Hopkins  Monday, March 30, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The family will not be present. They will instead receive friends at a Celebration of Life which will take place in the coming months. Details will be posted at www.gordenfuneral.com once those arrangements are finalized.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Holland or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter.