Roy Keith Backen of Sweeny, 90, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2009 in his home in Sweeny, Texas. He was born on June 10, 1918 in Eldorado, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the United States Army on August 14, 1941 and married Ruby Catherine Castle Church on November 3, 1942 at Camp Wolters, Texas. He then served his country overseas as a Squad Leader for Company A, 16th Infantry in the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign. Roy was wounded in action on July 12, 1944 in Sicily and honorably discharged into civilian life the following January.

Roy Backen, a long time Sweeny resident, attended First Baptist Church, Sweeny and
served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Old Ocean Recreational Club for many years. He
retired from Amoco Production Company on May 1, 1983 after 29 years as an Administrative Analyst and Supervisor. He and Ruby enjoyed many years of traveling together in their motor home throughout the United States after his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Mordant and Bertha Louise Lipscomb Backen, an infant sister, Dorothy Louise Backen, a brother, Carl Mordant Backen, Jr., his wife of 64 years, Ruby Backen, an infant son, Larry Keith Backen, and an infant daughter, Cindi Gail Backen.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rod and Lynda Backen of San Angelo and Terry and Sheila Backen of Sweeny, and four grandchildren, Stacy Backen of Frisco, Sarah and Ryan Backen of Seguin, and Lindsey Backen of Sweeny.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from 6pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Palacios Cemetery in Palacios, Texas.