Obituary
Selvin Wayne Royal died on April 1, 2026, at the age of 84 years, 4 months and 4 days. He was born in Clanton, Alabama, and married Shirley Ann Cooper on October 10, 1964, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen Herman Royal and Aline Florene Bowen Royal and three brothers Wrennie (Herman) Royal, Talmadge (Roy) Royal, Euliss (Gene) Royal, and one sister Hazel Royal. He is survived by two nephews, Alan Scott Royal and Kevin Royal and numerous nieces.
Selvin spent several years teaching at Smith Cotton High school in Sedalia, Missouri. He then taught briefly at Central Missouri State University as an Assistant Professor of Library Science. Subsequently, at the University of Central Arkansas he was appointed Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Applied Academic Technologies and promoted to Professor of Library Media. Selvin earned several master's degrees from different universities and a Doctor of Philosophy in Library Science from Florida State University.
No funeral Services will be held.
Online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net
Print Obituary|Print Guestbook
Guest Book
"Mr. Royal was an instructor for some of the library science classes at CMSU while I as a graduate student there. He was very professional and always considerate and kind. It was a pleasure to be in the classroom environment he established where all students felt valued and confident they could achieve the goals he set for them.
Rosalee Jordan, Sedalia, MOApril 22, 2026
"I taught with both Selvin and Shirley in the Sedalia Schools. He was a great addition to the education community and will be missed. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Wolf, Sedalia, MOApril 11, 2026
"We are sorry for your loss. Selvin was a kind, caring, gentleman.
Bill & Ann Richardson, Sedalia,MOApril 10, 2026
"I enjoyed having Mr Royal for CI during my senior year at Smith-Cotton. Sorry to read of his passing.
Anita Barrick, SedaliaApril 10, 2026
