SSG (Ret.) Herbert Eugene "Gene" Boyd

SSG (RET) Herbert Eugene “Gene” Boyd, son of the late Harry and Lillian Oglesby Boyd, came into the world on February 12, 1929, in Bruce, South Dakota, where he stayed until age two. Gene peacefully left his earthly home on the morning of August 14, 2023, in Richland, Missouri, having attained the age of ninety-four years. “Gene” grew up in the Richland area and was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Martin and Minnie Boyd after his mother’s death, Gene was only two. He loved the Gasconade River that ran near his family’s farm and the hills and hollers of the Ozarks, living nearly ten miles from town. Gene would literally “run” each day to town. Little known fact about Gene was that he missed the chance to participate in the Olympic trials as a runner due to lack of funding for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Gene attended Morrow country school. Later, graduating from Richland High School in 1947. He was an excellent student. His memorization skills were incredible. He could still give you the periodic table, the Preamble to the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address. Gene entered into the United States Army on January 9th, 1951, as a Truckmaster. He faithfully served his country during the Korean war era. In November of 1955 he transferred into the Missouri Army National Guard. He felt honored and proud to serve his country during his military service. He was honorably discharged on April 29th, 1969, as a Staff Sergeant in the 1/107th Transportation Company out of Lebanon, Missouri. He served for a total of 18 years and 3 months before being Honorably Discharged from the Army after a service-connected injury. On June 11, 1955, Gene married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Bowles, daughter of James and Anna Louise (Becker) Bowles, in the Christian Church of Richland, Missouri. The two took on life hand in hand as their love grew deeper and richer down through their 68 years of marriage. God blessed Patsy and Gene with three precious daughters who were greatly loved and cherished. Gene was a devoted family man whose love ran deeper than any ocean. Gene accepted the Lord early in his life and raised his family to love God and was a greatly loved member of the First Christian Church in Richland in January 1949. Gene was active in the church by volunteering with the youth and teaching Sunday school youth class. Gene appreciated the closeness of his small community and was well respected there. Gene developed many lifelong friendships. He was always willing to do anything for anybody at any time, never expecting anything in return. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Gene began working at the local Roam Hardware Store in Richland as well as transitioning to the National Guard. He had other jobs during his life as Gene was hard-working from an early age. He later began his career in Civil Service at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a steam fitter before retiring. Gene was a talented man, an author, poet, and a farmer. He kept his life experiences safe and secure in his mind until they overflowed, either from his lips or onto a piece of paper. These were treasures he created for all to see and love. There were times where Gene could just walk up to a person and look into their eyes and rattle off a poem at will. He was an extraordinary man and had fun wherever he went. Gene dawned a sheepish grin and a twinkle in his eyes that could make a person wonder what he was up to. He could make anyone laugh with his humor. He was friendly and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Gene was selfless, humble, and kind. A man who cherished the simple things in life, faith, family, friends, and farming. These were what he treasured most. He didn’t care about material things in life and put all of his energy into the family he created. He enjoyed times spent outdoors, hunting or fishing. He loved to read, especially books about History. Other things he enjoyed were listening to St. Louis Cardinals, Grand Ole Opry, classical music, and working in the garden with Patsy’s mother and Grandma Mills. He jokingly took the blame for the love of showing dogs and horses. The family traveled thousands of miles to attend events all over the United States and Canada. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, who lovingly raised him, his parents, six siblings: Jack Vestal, Richard Vestal, Betty Harrison, Charles H. Boyd, Raymond L. Boyd, and Margaret Flannery; and in-laws: Jim and Louise Bowles. Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Patsy of the home; three daughters: Angela Bowling (Roy), Amber Henderson (Tom), and Alison Scaringello (Joe) all of Richland, MO, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends. A great man leaves a lasting memory in the hearts of many, never being forgotten. Gene is one of those men! His time on earth has ended as he’s been promoted to glory. However, Gene’s legacy will forever remain here in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he touched. Gone…but never forgotten! Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 18, 2023, in the First Christian Church of Richland, Missouri with Pastor Landon Justice officiating. Pianist, Dee Ann Homan accompanied Kelsey Veasman as she sang, “Thank God I Do.” Alan Jackson’s song, “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You,” and Elvis Presley’s song, “How Great Thou Art” were also played. Escorts included Lucas Bowling, Patrick Bowling, Cody Henderson, Trevor Scaringello, Joe Scaringello, Jr., and Michael Scaringello. Honorary escorts were Lisa (York) Tallant, Keith Lundh, Bill Burzlaff, Dick Todd, Cody Tuhey, Robert Stillings, Anthony Veasman, Phil Moss, Roy Bowling, Tom Henderson, and Joe Scaringello. Burial with Military honors were provided by the United States Army and Navy. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gene Boyd to the “DAV” Disabled American Veterans and can be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be left at www.richlandmemorialchapel.com

SSG (Ret.) Herbert Eugene "Gene" Boyd

February 12, 1929 - August 14, 2023