Francis Boyle

MCNABB — Francis Albert Boyle, 89, of McNabb passed away Saturday evening, Dec. 31, 2011.

Mr. Boyle was born in Henry, Ill., on Nov. 12, 1922, to Elizabeth Rey Durley and Walter Albert Boyle. Francis married Lois Elaine Altpeter on July 21, 1944. She survives.

Francis graduated from Pool School and John Swaney High School. He was a Bronze Tablet graduate of the University of Illinois in the Collage of Agriculture. Francis was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in the 22nd Infantry of the U.S. Army in Germany, Belgium and France. Upon returning from active service, he began his life-long career in farming.

He was a life-long supporter of his church, 4-H clubs, education, agriculture and the Putnam County community. Francis had a deep devotion to his family and friends and this was displayed by his humble demeanor.

Also surviving are two children, Nancy (Phil) Hopkins of McNabb and Sally Boyle of Milwaukee, Wis.; four grandchildren, Todd (Katie) Hopkins of Ottawa, Therese (Mike) Skwarczynski of Channahon, Terri (Aaron) Spencer of St. Louis, Mo., and Kay (Nathaniel) Foote of Hewitt, Texas; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Durley Boyle; and one son, Walter Boyle.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Henry. Services will begin at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Hennepin, with full military honors.

Memorials may be directed to the Henry First Presbyterian Church, Pulsifer House, 4-H Foundation, Putnam County Ambulance or to the donor's choice.

Pallbearers will be Todd Hopkins, Aaron Spencer, Nathaniel Foote, Steve Roesch, Ed Stunkel and Greg Carr. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Zimmerman and Jim Baird.

The Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel in Granville is assisting the family.