LEWISTOWN, IL - John H. "Johnny" Boyd, age 87, of 310 S. Monroe St. passed away at 6:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at his home.

He was born March 2, 1922, in Columbia, Miss., the son of Henry E. and Mattie (Watts) Boyd. He married Jane Harn, daughter of Isaac and Opal (Wilcoxen) Harn, on Sept. 30, 1950, in Lewistown. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Rhonda (Rick) Johnson and Andrea (Jerry) Mann, both of Lewistown; two granddaughters, Alison (Tom) Svob and Anissa Mann, also of Lewistown; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Alivia Svob.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Donnie Boyd; and three brothers, W.C. Boyd, J.T. Boyd and Willie Boyd.

Johnny was employed for over 27 years as an electrician at International Harvester Canton Works, retiring in 1982.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946.

He was a life member of the Lewistown VFW Post 5001, where he served as past commander from 1967-1968. Other memberships include Lewistown American Legion Post 1, Lewistown Masonic Lodge AF & AM 104, Peoria Scottish Rites, and Mohammed Shriners, Spoon River Valley Shrine Club, Men's Alligator Club, and a 50-year member of the IBEW.

Johnny enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting and being a musician. Most of all he enjoyed entertaining both friends and family by singing Wabash Cannonball and doing his train whistle. He was an avid Cubs fan.

In later years he enjoyed being Paw Paw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown, with Darla Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown, with military services conducted by the Lewistown VFW, and the Lewistown American Legion. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic services at 7:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at the memorial home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown VFW Post 5001.

Published in the Peoria Journal Star on 11/24/2009

John Boyd (1922)