Roy Philip Gevara
Wed, 02/11/2015 - 15:35
News Staff
EASTLAND – Roy Philip Gevara was born in Eden Texas on March 12, 1942. He was the second born, yet first son to Luther and Sophie Gevara. He was one of 7 children. Upon graduating from Eden high school, Roy enrolled in a Technical Institute in Elkhart, Indiana to become a Lab and X-Ray Tech. Thereafter Roy had the honor of serving in the Army where he worked as Medic in Germany during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Army he made a quick stop in Cisco, Texas to visit his sister. That quick stop would change his life forever as this is where he met his wife, Danelda Irene Wende, during a New Year’s Eve Party. Roy and Danelda were married just 10 weeks later on March 15, 1963. The newlyweds made their first home in Cisco for a few years were Roy worked at the hospital. A new medical opportunity called them to Graham, Texas where their children Phyllis Wyn showed up in 1971 and Ryan Daniel followed three years later. Missing Cisco and both their extended families back in Eastland County, Roy was blessed to find a new role within the Lab/XRay department at the B&W Clinic in 1975. It was here that he would make many lifelong friends including his employers Dr. H.J Bulgerin and Dr. B.B Alexander. It was also at B&W where Roy earned his famous reputation of being able to painlessly draw blood from his patients on the first attempt.The early 1980’s were a great time of spiritual joy and awakening for Roy. He developed the ability to simultaneously preach bi-lingual with God’s supernatural anointing within the Spanish community. He also pastored a small Spanish church in Breckenridge, Texas one night a week for a few years. In addition, Roy served as a key team member on several medical mission trips to rural parts of Mexico. Roy used his skills of medical knowledge, and his gift of being affluent in Spanish to help and minister to many hurting people in these small villages in a many different ways. Roy’s wife Danelda received her first of seven cancer diagnoses in 1983. For the next 15 years Roy honored his wedding vows as faithful, ever constant, and ever loving companion until her death in 1998. From 1989 through 2006 Roy successfully ran and managed the lab at Eastland Memorial Hospital.The early 1990’s brought many additions to his life, including a new daughter in law, Kristi Moore Gevara…and BUBBA. Bubba was a very spirted little Chihuahua that remained by Roy’s side for the next 18 years. Three other Chihuahuas soon followed including, Sissy, Putter, and Big Bertha. All of “Roy’s dogs” lived very long lives well past the age of fifteen due to Roy’s love and care of his pack. In the early 90’s Roy combined his love for golf, and an open field at his home to bring the community: “Roy’s Driving Range”. Over the next 10 years along with working a full time job at the hospital, he could always be found on the range. His driving range was run on the honor system, “leave $2 for a small or $5 for a large bucket of balls”. He is attributed to teaching many people young and old how to effectively swing a club and learn the foundations of golf. If he was not picking up thousands of golf balls on a weekly basis he was spending personal time with those who just needed help and adjustment with their swing. Roy was active in the Kiwanis, organizing blood drives, serving locally as the President of the American Cancer society as well as volunteering and attending many of his children’s school and sporting activities. In the late 90’s Roy had the pleasure of attending Cisco Jr College with his son, Ryan. They went to the same classes and Roy was able to finish his associates’ degree proudly graduating with Ryan.The early 2000s brought more beautiful additions to Roy’s family including the birth of his first grandchild, London Rhyn Gevara born to Roy’s son, Ryan, in 2000. On March 15, 2003 the same day as his anniversary date with Danelda, Roy welcomed a son-in-law, when Jeremy Berwick Pate married his daughter Phyllis. That same year Roy joyfully welcomed his first and only granddaughter, Ashton Karyse Gevara again to Ryan and Kristi.After 17 years at the Eastland hospital, Roy moved to Burnet TX in a desire to slow down the pace and be closer to his kids. In Burnet he was perfectly located in between Phyllis and Ryan and would frequently visit them both. Roy worked as the lab manager in Burnet at a small local clinic but in late 2011 his beloved Eastland was weighing on his mind. His strong desire to be return home was too much and he moved back to Eastland retiring near Lake Leon. In his final years, he was active in VFW Post 4136 serving as chaplain and organizing a local VFW benefit golf tournament. He happily spent his days playing golf, visiting people, working in his garden, fishing or cooking. Many times he would come and knock on your door with a bowl of chili, homemade apple pie or if you were lucky enough you would get a jar of the best hot sauce you ever tasted. Roy lived close to 40 years in Eastland. Roy is best remembered for having a true love and heart for all people. His love language to others was serving them in whatever capacity you needed. He not only loved to help but searched out ways he could be a blessing to others. People were drawn to his sweet Godly spirit, his love for telling jokes, and his infectious laugh. He loved and adored his children and grandchildren and the devotion between them was mutual. More than anything He loved the Lord with all of his heart, mind and soul. He always wanted to know what was going on in your life so he could be sure to pray with you and for you. Roy passed peacefully in his sleep early Friday morning February 6th, 2015. Roy is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis Wyn Pate and Jeremy Berwick Pate, his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan Daniel Gevara and Kristi Deann Gevara, his grandchildren, London Rhyn Gevara and Ashton Karyse Gevara, his brothers Ralph, Lee Ray and Rudy Gevara. By his sisters, Olivia Gevara Zarate, Ophelia Gevara Lopez, Odelia Gevara Gomez , his brother and sister-in-laws and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He is predeceased by his wife Danelda, his parents Luther and Sophie Gevara and his chihuahuas Bubba, Sissy and Putter. In honor of Roy’s love of cooking and his joy in sharing meals with others, the family requests that donations be made to River of Life Food Pantry, 1247 E. Main Street Eastland TX.