Royal Christensen

Royal J Christensen, age 82, passed away peacefully at home May 7, 2026, with his wife and children by his side. His death was due to congestive heart failure.

He was born on April 8, 1944, in Salina, Utah, the second child of Elmon F. Christensen and Elmeda Levie Christensen. His siblings included older brother LaVoy, sister Eva Mae, younger brothers Kyle, Clark, Daryl and foster brother Mike Gervais.

Royal told of the wonderful childhood he had growing up on the farm in Aurora, doing chores, working hard, and riding horses. He was fortunate to have his paternal grandfather, John A. Christensen, live with the family for many years.

At age 10 the family moved to Lindon, Utah, where Royal went on to graduate from Pleasant Grove High School. He was a gifted athlete in football, serving as a team captain, and wrestling, taking second place at the state finals his senior year. Royal was also on the Lindon 2nd Ward men’s softball team that took Consolation at the All Church tournament in the summer of 1963.

Royal and his family were always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At age 19 he chose to serve a mission and was called to the French East Mission. That Mission was divided while he was there and he was transferred to the Franco-Belgian mission. He served in Switzerland, France, Belgium and Luxemburg.

When he returned home, he enlisted in the Army Reserve and was later activated to full-time military service. He served as a Drill Instructor at Fort Ord, California.

Royal married Leona Gillman in the Manti Temple on June 26, 1969. Their first home was at Fort Ord, where their son Robert was born. When his Army service was completed, Royal worked for JB’s Big Boy Restaurants, in Montana, Provo, and in eastern Kansas where he served as Vice President of Operations. During this time his family grew with a son, David, and daughters Kimberlie and Diane.

In 1989, Royal and his family moved back to Lindon, Utah. Royal worked as manager of the ZCMI Tiffin Room in the University Mall, then as a meat cutter for Macey’s grocery stores in Spanish Fork and Pleasant Grove for 27 years. He worked for Macey’s until a few weeks prior to his passing. Royal loved to work and passed that legacy on to his children.

Royal loved his family, his Church and his Savior. He faithfully served in the Elders’ quorum, a Branch Presidency Councilor, Branch President, two bishoprics. He and Leona loved their calling at Spring Gardens in Lindon, serving there for seven years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son David, and brothers LaVoy, Kyle, Clark Daryl and Mike. He leaves behind his wife Leona, son Rob (Roxana), daughters Kim (Jose) and Diane, two granddaughters, Jordan Christensen and Taylor Christensen and Zahid Angel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Lindon 2nd Ward building, 610 West 100 South, Lindon Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the church from 9:00 - 10:45 AM.

The interment will follow in the Lindon City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com