Royce Andrew Bartee, 79, of Tyler, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Lake Country Nursing Center in Marietta, Oklahoma.  He was born on November 24, 1944, on the family farm in Tyler, Oklahoma to the late Vernon Cordell Bartee and Nadia Hallmark Bartee. Royce was a twin and 15 minutes older than his sister Loyce.  The family moved to Spencer, Oklahoma with their dad's company, Ashland Oil.     He attended the first grade in Spencer and moved back to Madill in the second grade; Mrs. Sparlin was his second-grade teacher. Royce graduated from Madill High School in 1963 and went on to attend Southeastern for a couple of years before moving to Dallas, Texas.  He married Sharon Kay Bellmyer on March 7, 1970, in Dallas and she preceded him in death on December 1, 2017.  While living in Dallas he began working for Texaco Inc. where he started as an Assistant Warehouse Man.  Over time Royce worked his way up to the Manager of Operations over 8 states.  At the age of 58 Royce decided to retire and move back to the family farm to enjoy life.  He worked as County Commissioner and during his term he was active in setting up a functional EMS operation.  Royce also worked at Landmark Bank, Madill in Operations.  He was very active in his community, serving on many boards.  Over the years Royce served on the EMS, Marshall County Historical Society, and the Madill Alumni Association.  Royce, also worked as the Board Chairman of the Madill Housing Authority for 15 plus years and worked as a precinct officer for the Madill Election Board.  He was a member the Masons and the Oakview Baptist Church where he was very active serving on different committees.  With all his accomplishments, Royce said his greatest decision was when he repented and asked God into his life. He loved his longhorn cattle and collecting Texaco memorabilia.

Royce is survived by:

Son:                             Richard Bartee, Dayton, Nevada

Siblings:                      Evelyn Coleman, Independence, Missouri

Loyce Eldridge and husband Jerry, Tyler, Oklahoma

Phyllis Russell and husband Earl, Madill, Oklahoma

Tony Bartee and wife Marcie, Marietta, Oklahoma

Terry Bartee and wife Valerie, Madill, Oklahoma

Several nieces and nephews

Royce was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother; Jim Bartee and sisters; Nadine Killion and Wanaloy Harris

Casket Bearers:         Robert Bartee, Allan Bartee, Andrew Bartee, Jim Bartee, Joe Bartee, Craig Murphy, Chad Coble, Ronnie Bartee