Oscar 'Okie' Boyd

Oscar LeRoy "Okie" Boyd, 92, passed away on December 11, 2020, at Gardenview Manor. Okie was born March 16, 1928, in Tilton, IL. to John Wesley and Myrlie Rettie (Thomas) Boyd.

He married Betty Jean Elam on June 8, 1947, at the Tilton Congregational Christian Church. They were married 66 years before her passing on December 5, 2013. He was also preceded by his parents and 8 brothers and sisters, Okie being the youngest.

Surviving are their sons Bruce (Patty) Boyd of Catlin, Rick (Chris) Boyd of Danville, and Barry Boyd of Florida and special niece, Dianna Kay Konieczki. Also, six grandsons, Chad (Jill) Boyd, Brock (Amy) Boyd, Cale (Jody) Boyd, Wade (Crystal) Boyd, Neal Boyd, and Michael Boyd. Step grandsons are Shane (Michelle Jones) Burmeister and Matthew (Ashly) Burmeister. He also had 18 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Okie lived in Tilton all his life with the exception of being stationed in Washington, D.C., where he proudly served in the U. S. Navy from 1945-1949.

Okie was a railroader. Through acquisitions and mergers, he worked as a clerk for the New York Central, Peoria and Eastern, Penn Central and Conrail Railroads for 46 years. Being a member of the Railway Clerks Union, he took an active role as union steward and served on the credit union board.

He became a member of the Tilton Congregational Christian Church (Now United Church of Tilton) at age fourteen. He was an active member serving in many capacities including Chairman of the Trustee Board and Treasurer for many years. He was also chairman of the Building Committee for the construction of a new fellowship hall. In honor of his many years of service to the church, at the dedication ceremony in 2004, the addition was formally named OKIE HALL.

In 1951 Okie became a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge 285 and was also a Past Master. He was involved in creating the Tilton Historical Society and served as treasurer for 22 years.

When his sons were younger, he was very active in scouting. He was Cub Master of Pack 100, Scout Master of Troop 5, and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Many times, friends have shared their fond and funny memories of camping and hiking with Okie as their scout leader.

Betty and Okie enjoyed many activities throughout the years. They were members of the Promenaders Square Dance Club, the Bootkickers, and also enjoyed ballroom dancing. Deciding to meet regularly with close friends, the group created the Buzzen Dozen Bunco Club. They also loved travelling from coast to coast and many places in between.

Family was the most important thing to them. They attended many of their grandchildrens events and especially enjoyed all the family dinners. For many years they planned the BOYD reunion. Okie was also an avid amateur genealogist. He loved sharing with his family what ancestor he had recently discovered.

Dad had a life well lived. He gave back to his community, was faithful to his family and faithful to his God. As a family we are grateful for his sense of humor, strength, compassion, guidance, and love. He was once heard saying, "I love my church and I love my God".

A public visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. A private family service will follow with burial in Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the United Church of Tilton or the Tilton Historical Society.

Please join Oscars family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.