March 10, 2020

Bruce Alan Boydston

08-14-1947 to 03-08-2020

Linn County News

Published March 11, 2020

Bruce Alan Boydston, age 72, of Centerville, Kan., passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020, surrounded by family on his farm. Bruce was born on Aug. 14, 1947, in Garnett, Kan., the son of Allie Angus Boydston Jr. and June Nadine (McCarty) Boydston. 

He attended Parker Rural High School, graduating in 1965, and college at Allen Community College and Pittsburg State University. He then served in the Kansas National Guard from 1969 through 1975.

Bruce was united in marriage to Rita Eileen Drum on Dec. 6, 1969, at the First Christian Church in Garnett. This union blessed them with three wonderful children: Amy, Kerry and Brent. This winter, Bruce and Rita celebrated 50 years of marriage with all members of their wedding party attending a special dinner in Ottawa with family and close friends.

In 2013, Bruce retired from a 30-year career with Kansas Pipeline Operating Co., Olathe. His true love, however, was farming. He spent his entire life as an agriculturist caring for the land, raising cattle and growing crops.

Bruce was a vital part of his community serving as past master of Parker Masonic Lodge No. 341, Linn County Soil Conservation Service (SCS), Linn County Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee, Prairie View High School Board of Education (12 years) and a Flying-C 4-H Club parent leader. He was a man of strong faith and loyally served the Centerville Community Church. His family bestowed “Honorary K-State Wildcat” status upon him after he paid 10 consecutive years of college tuition and lodging bills for his three kids. He loved his Wildcats and cherished the times he and his family spent tailgating, watching football at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and road-tripping to bowl games cheering on Wildcat victories.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allie Boydston Jr., on March 14, 1989.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Rita, of the home; and children Amy (Paul) Taylor, Overland Park, Kerry Wefald, Manhattan, and Brent (Alison) Boydston, O’Fallon, Mo. He also leaves behind eight special grandchildren: Lauren, Abigail and Ella Kate Taylor; Halle and Jonathan Wefald; and Beau, Emery and Lacey Boydston. He is also survived by his mother, Nadine Boydston, of Garnett; and his sister, Marsha (Fred) Baker, Overland Park.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020, at the Centerville Community Church in Centerville. Bruce’s family will greet friends and family on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.

Bruce was a true friend to many. He loved American history, his many dogs and cats, the game of basketball, playing pitch, watching old movies and drinking his Maker’s Mark.

He was a damn good man who will be missed greatly.