Lewis B. Boyer

ASHMORE, IL – Lewis B. Boyer, age 88 of rural Ashmore and formerly of Morris, Illinois, passed away at his home on Friday, April 13, 2018. A Graveside Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating. Military services will be conducted by the combined honor guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93. It is requested that donations in his honor be made to the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation – Fallen Officers Fund. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Lewis was born April 6, 1930 in Ashmore, Illinois, a son of the late Willis and C. Lorraine (Shoot) Boyer. Following his high school graduation he enlisted with the United States Navy, serving from 1948 – 1952. It was while he was hospitalized in a naval hospital that he met and fell in love with Eva Marie Cummings, a Navy nurse. They were married on August 28, 1951 and she preceded him in death on September 26, 2014. Lewis is survived by his sister, Sally Smith; and two nieces, Debra Porter and husband Tom, and Melinda Smith, all of Charleston. Lewis was also preceded by a brother, Willis Boyer, Jr.

Lewis enjoyed a 25 year career with the Illinois State Police retiring in December of 1982 as a Corporal with the Air Highway Patrol in the Morris, Illinois area. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed ice fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. He was skilled in the art of woodworking and used that skill to make the kitchen cabinets for his and Marie’s home. Lewis was active in the Ashmore Community and served on the Board of Trustees of the Ashmore Volunteer Fire Department. Lewis, also known as “Brownie” to many, was a well respected individual who enjoyed the friendship of many close friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE

The graveside service and inurnment for Lewis Boyer was held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating. Retired State Police Officer, Rory Steidle offered condolences on behalf of the Illinois State Police Department. The service opened with the"Navy Hymn" and the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93 Honor Guard provided military rites. Participating honor guard members were: Phil Kerz, Detail Commander; Dale Downs, Chaplain; Hugh Birch and John Gelb, Color Guard; Butch Jenkins, Jessie Stephens and Bill Reed, Color Bearers; Mark Beabout, Bugler; and Max Carpenter, Paul Buerster, Gary Grounds, Darrell Nees, Chet Campbell, Dave Finley and Eugene Winnett, Riflemen. Melodie Keown sang "In The Garden" and the service closed with bagpiper Gary Rollings who played "Amazing Grace".

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