Donald C "Don" Boyer's Obituary
Donald C. "Don" Boyer, 95, of Martinsville, IL passed away at 7:05 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at Heartland Nursing Center, Casey, IL surrounded by his family. He was born January 20, 1917 in Newman, IL, the son of Joseph Clinton Boyer and Ena Marie Skidmore Boyer. On September 20, 1941, he married Maxine Myers in Champaign, IL. She passed away on April 12, 1994. He later married Arlene Louise LaBrie Lee on January 16, 1995 in Arcadia, FL; she passed away on March 7, 2011. Survivors include sons, Joe Boyer and wife Donna of Oblong, IL; Larry Boyer and wife Suzanne of Freeport, IL; Byron Boyer and wife Sandy of Charleston, IL; stepson, Larry Lee and wife Diane of Sanford, FL; stepdaughter, Charlotte Atkins of Dekalb, IL; sisters, Jean Dethloff of Newman, IL and Barbara Moore of Champaign, IL; grandchildren, Rick and Cindy Boyer, Kevin and Tara Boyer, Travis and Kristy Boyer, Kevin and Rowena Coonce, Bo Coonce; Josh Boyer and Jenn Buck; Jeff Boyer; Julie and Aaron Enright; Lindsey and Guy Harrison, Jake and Jennifer Lee and David Lee; nine great grandchildren; five step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives; brothers, Joe, Beryl, Dale, Louis and Forrest Boyer and sister, Marie Mankey. Don graduated from the University of Illinois in Agriculture Education. He taught agriculture at Martinsville High School from 1942 to 1948. His teaching was interrupted by his service in the US Army during World War II. He served in an Artillery division in Italy, France and Germany from 1943 to 1945. From 1948 until his retirement in 1972, Don taught agriculture at Casey High School and many of the area's most successful farmers were former students. After his retirement, he worked at Pool's Bargain Center in Casey. He also worked as a crop hail adjuster for Country Companies and as a Certified Seed Inspector for the Illinois Crop Improvement Association, which he retired from at the age of 90. Don served the community in many ways: Casey School Board, Casey Township Trustee; Martinsville Township Supervisor; President of the Clark County Health Improvement Association; President and Secretary of Section 17 Vocational Agriculture Teachers, President of Section 20 Agriculture Teachers and District 4 Director of Agriculture Teachers. He was a member of the Clark County Farm Bureau; Martinsville Agricultural Fair Board; Martinsville American Legion; a 63 year member of the Casey Lions Club; Washington Artillery of New Orleans; Anzio Beachhead Association; Clark County Retired Teachers Association; Casey Horseshoe Club; Illinois Horseshoe Pitching Association; Florida Horseshoe Association; National Horseshoe Pitching Association and the Casey United Methodist Church. Don was a special person who touched the lives of thousands in his lifetime, whether they were his students, part of his horseshoe pitching family or just friends and acquaintances. He will be remembered by his family with love and pride. In 2009, Don pitched horseshoes in his first world tournament held in Springfield, IL. He not only won, he was the oldest participant at age 92 to become a world champion in his senior division. He loved competition and socializing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 14, 2012 at the Markwell Funeral Home with Rev. John Gartelos officiating. Burial will follow in the Newman Cemetery, Newman, IL with graveside military rites by the Newman American Legion. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL. Memorial donations and contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. Memorial tributes and condolences may be sent to the family at www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements. SERVICES Visitation Thursday, September 13, 2012 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Service Friday, September 14, 2012 10:30 AM
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