Everett Roy, 87, passed away late Tuesday evening, January 22, 2008, at Ball Memorial Hospital. Everett was born February 1, 1920, in Rantoul, Illinois, to Virgil and Annie (Neat) Roy. He grew up in that area, coming to Muncie in 1942.
He worked in several local factories during the war, while also barbering at the Main Street Barber shop. He then operated the Kirby Hotel Barber shop before opening the Varsity Barber Shop in Muncie's Village in 1946. During the next 40+ years, he made many friends and acquaintances while serving many hundreds of customers at his shop. In the time since his retirement over 20 years ago, he enjoyed recounting tales of his customers.
He had a remarkable memory, amazing us with stories of those customers and their families. At the time of his retirement, Mayor Alan Wilson proclaimed an "Everett Roy" day in recognition of his long community service.
In 1966, he built a lake cottage on Lake Tippecanoe in northern Indiana. He subsequently enjoyed several summers there, boating, swimming, and water skiing. He was a very enthusiastic skier. He was a Deacon of Hazelwood Christian Church, where he had been active doing visitations as well as serving on committees at the church. He was a member of Muncie Lodge 433, F & A.M.; Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis; Order of Eastern Star, Chapter #104; and a member and past president of the Muncie Barbers Association.
He is survived by his wife, Janet (Hiatt) Roy; a step-son, Bill (wife, Joyce) Johnson, Gaston; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild from his first marriage. He also has three step children; 8 step grandchildren; and one step great-great-grandchild from his marriage to Janet.
Everett was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred (Barber) Roy; his parents; a step-daughter, Martha Collins; an older brother, Virgil Roy, Jr.; and a sister, Maxine Johnson; as well as a grandson, Stephen Johnson.
Services for Everett will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Parson Mortuary with Pastor Colby Smith and step son-in-law, Tom Konopinski, officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services at 2:30 p.m. at the mortuary Saturday.
Memorials may be sent to Hazelwood Christian Church, 1400 West University, Muncie, IN 47303.