Roll Call Tribute

Thomas Harvey "Tom" Royder, III 

April 26, 1930 - June 22, 2025 

Tom Royder, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, in Stony Point, New York, at the age of 95.

During the Fiesta Parade on April 26, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas, Tom was born to Marcella Atcheson Royder and Thomas Royder, Jr. He grew up in Austin and San Antonio and graduated from Austin High School in 1947. A proud Aggie, he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1951 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While at A&M, Tom was a member of the Ross Volunteers. He was also a Lt. Colonel who was Commander of the 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment. He graduated as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army.

Shortly after graduation, Tom proudly served in the Korean War as an Artillery Forward Observer. Just two weeks after returning home, he married his sweetheart, Carolyn. Theirs was a love story that blossomed into 66 years of marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and family.

Tom and Carolyn raised their three children in Baytown, Texas, where he made the most of any chance he had to spend time with his kids. He coached his sons' baseball teams, rarely missed a basketball or softball game, and was in the stands at countless school and sporting events. He was even up for a trip to the mall now and then. For Tom, family was everything.

Beyond his role as a loving husband and father, Tom was a man of strong principles and quiet courage. During the 1960s and 70s, he was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Serving as the organizing chairman of the Baytown Human Relations Council, he helped in desegregating local schools and worked tirelessly to promote equity and understanding in his community.

Professionally, Tom worked not only as a chemical engineer but also excelled in business development for several engineering firms over the years. His sharp mind, integrity, and collaborative spirit earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Tom’s legacy is one of love, service, and steadfast commitment—to his family, his community, and the values he held dear. He leaves behind a grateful and loving family, who will carry his memory forward with pride and affection.

Tom is survived by sons Tom Royder, IV and wife Karrie, and Scott Maxwell Royder; daughter Rhonda Royder Keyt and husband Jim; grandsons Maxwell Thomas Keyt and Mitchell Kingsley Keyt; sisters and brothers-in-law Ronald and Barbara Smith, and Richard and Vernett Safford; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Smith Royder; his parents; brother Jack O. Royder and his wife, Patricia; sister Amelia Royder; and niece Alissa Smith Haire.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the chapel of First Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

In remembrance of Tom, memorial donations may be made to the VA Austin Outpatient Clinic PTSD program (7901 Metropolis, Austin, TX 78744) or to the ACLU (ACLU.org).