Francis M. Boyd

Marion Francis M. Boyd, 94, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 6:36 A.M. at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Francis was born April 19, 1913 the son of Alva & Arla (Finkle) Boyd in Marseilles, Illinois. He married Helen Virginia Eye on December 15, 1940 in the Brookfield Church and she preceded him in death on April 11, 2007. Francis farmed the family farm in Seneca, Illinois. Francis and Helen moved to Marion in 1979, and they attended Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. His Granddaughter Dinah shares that her Grandpa was one of the most gentle and humble men you could ever meet; a soft-spoken man of dignity and kindness. He was a baseball player back in the day and a big White Sox and Cubs fan. He loved children, could do a mean Search-A-Word (even in his nineties!), and had a well-known sweet tooth. He used to own and work a sizable farm, and loved working outdoors. At his former house in town, he had an entire finished basement filled with tools, gadgets and gizmos (and each one was well-organized, too!). He liked to work with wood, and among the family many of us have mug holders and coat racks that he crafted himself. I remember him always around and available when anyone needed help, and was always up for a project. My mom and her brothers have oodles of fun memories of Grandpa from when they were growing up. No matter what the activity ice skating, softball, bike riding, frog-catching, basketball, camping, bowling, swimming or sledding he was always up for a good time with his kids and grandkids, and had a blast doing it. And lets not forget his love for Grandma. They were married 67 years, and were still best friends to the very end when Grandma passed last spring Survivors include: Daughter Joann Doelitzsch and husband Dennis (Dutch) of Marion Two sons; Kenneth Boyd and wife Gayle of Grand Ledge, Michigan Charles Boyd and wife Virginia of Centrailia, Washington Five Grandchildren; Dinah Troutner and husband Sean of Marion Deanna Deiters and husband Henry of Marion Brandon Boyd and wife Marinda of Centrailia, Washington Brian Boyd and wife Kristen of Chandler, Arizona Kristin Carpenter and husband Mike of Grayslake, Illinois Eleven Great Grandchildren Several Nieces & Nephews Preceded by Parents, Wife, Helen, Two Brothers and Two Sisters. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. April Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes.