Keilers

Dr. Royce Kenneth Keilers died surrounded by family and friends, on Oct. 3, 2026, in La Grange, after suffering a prolonged illness. Royce lived 88 years with courage, purpose, faith, and an adventurous spirit. Born Feb. 12, 1938, in Burton to a life rooted in the heart of Texas, he grew into a man whose influence would reach far beyond the places he called home.

After graduating from Round Top-Carmine High School in 1956, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Lutheran College and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine, which he attended alongside his wife Elva. He provided many years of family practice in the La Grange area.

He provided Peer Review for the Texas Medical Foundation in Austin and held the position of Medical Director of the Medical Assistance Program in Travis County. Royce was particularly proud of his osteopathic medical education and practice. As an advocate for the profession, he held positions of leadership as a delegate for the state of Texas in the American Osteopathic Association and served as president of both the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Passion for service and health care led him across state lines, borders, time zones, and hemispheres. Royce founded and directed the International Primary Care Educational Alliance (IPCEA), bringing together physicians, health organizations, governments, foundations, and industry partners to strengthen primary care education around the world. His work in China became a defining chapter of his life and the program he founded lives on. His contributions were recognized by Heart to Heart International with its Power of One Award for advancing humanitarian health care and supporting underserved populations.

An avid and enthusiastic sportsman, he loved hunting and fishing, traveling and exploring. To Royce, adventure wasn’t just something to do; it was a way of life.

Royce was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is remembered with deep love by his wife, Elva Ann Keilers (Meiners); his daughter, Dawn Keilers Mirran, and her husband, Sal Mirran; and his grandchildren, Sophia Mirran and Julian Mirran. He is also survived by his brotherin- law, Don Louis Meiners and his wife, Akiko Meiners; his nieces, Amy Meiners Phillips and her husband, Xavier Phillips, and Ann Marie Meiners and her fiancé, Darryl Lemear; Hikari Omori; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Oct. 24, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Grange.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, St. Paul Lutheran Church La Grange, or the charity of your choice.