Edward Armond Boydston

Edward Armond Boydston

1923-2016

Edward Armond Boydston went to his heavenly reward on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. Funeral services will be at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly Avenue in Edmond, Oklahoma on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Family visitation will be held on Friday evening, January 29, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home.

He was born to Samuel Edward and Mary Katherine (Moyer) Boydston on June 6, 1923 in Edmond, Oklahoma. His parents, Ed and Mary Boydston, and his beloved wife Iris Josephine (Jo) Jack Boydston preceded him in death. Armond was blessed to have a sister, Eva Virginia Boydston, of Oklahoma City and a brother Arland Doyle Boydston, of Keller Texas, both who preceded him in death. During his childhood, family and early church friends called Ed by his middle name Armond.

Ed graduated from Edmond High School in 1941 and from Hill’s Business College in Oklahoma City in 1942. A few days after graduating he joined the U. S. Navy. After leaving Navy active duty in 1946 as a Chief Yeoman, he continued his business education at Oklahoma City University where he obtained his B.S. degree in 1949. While pursuing his college education, Ed was employed on the staff of Governor Roy J. Turner as Chief Clerk and also pursued his Naval Reserve career. From his start as a Yeoman Third Class, Boydston continued his military activities until his retirement in 1983 as a Navy Captain. He served on a number of ships and stations including the staff of Admiral Chester Nimitz at CINPAC, Guam. In 1972, he graduated from the Senior Reserve Officers’ Course, Naval War College Newport, Rhode Island. His Naval career included several command positions including Group Commander, Naval Reserve Group Command 8-10, Oklahoma City, which included command of all Naval Reserve units in the area.

After graduating from Oklahoma City University and leaving the staff of the Governor’s office, Ed was employed by Harper Oil Company for 36 ½ years where he advanced from clerk in the Land Department to Vice President-Land before retiring on June 30, 1985.

Mr. Boydston was a regular attender of the Edmond Church of Christ. He continued to enjoy the monthly senior adult fellowships at the Spring Creek Assembly of God church where he and Jo had attended for many years. He was instrumental in securing the loan for the Assembly of God church building at the previous location on Boulevard and helped in the construction of the new building. Prior to this, the Boydston family attended church at Oklahoma City Faith Tabernacle. Through the years he served as deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and superintendent, usher and in various other activities such as building churches in foreign countries. He loved the Lord and served him faithfully since accepting Jesus as his savior at the age of ten. The Lord was his stabilizer, keeper and advisor throughout his entire life, keeping him from many pitfalls and entanglements and supplying him with daily enlightenment.

During his civilian and military career, Ed was a member of many organizations including Light for the Lost Council, Petroleum Club, Reserve Officers Association, Naval Reserve Association, U.S. Naval Institute, American Legion, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Independent Oilman’s Association, Oklahoma City Landmen’s Association, American Association of Petroleum Landmen, Christian Oilmen’s Association, Tinker Officers’ Club, Edmond Historical Society, and the YMCA. Offices held in these organizations include Director of Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City, Council member of Evangel College, Springfield, Missouri, President of Admiral Marc Witcher Chapter of the Reserve Officers’ Association.

His pride and joy was his family and his kind and godly wife, Josephine (Jack) Boydston, now deceased but forever in his heart. She knew how to nurture and be a real mother and motivator. He was proud to be a father to his three daughters, Brenda Chatham, Vermillion, South Dakota; Rhonda Knight, Oklahoma City, and Mona Ryan, Oklahoma City all who pursued good college educations and demonstrate strong Christian lives. His family pride extended to the daughter’s good mates Jeff Chatham, Kevin Knight, and Mike Ryan. Later eight grandchildren were added to the family, Matthew, Samuel, Daniel, Megan, Keith, Bradley, Molly and Jonathan and their mates plus his six great grandchildren, Sebastian, Ella, Lex, Lucy, Emm, and Henry. They all extended that pride even further. To this extent Ed felt he was truly a blessed man.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Jo, Ed found solace and friendship with his swimming partners at the Edmond YMCA and his coffee buddies who met every morning at McDonalds. These groups of people kept him active and enjoying life and provided a strong support group that he direly needed following Jo’s passing. All of his friends were very special to him and the family is indebted to their kindness and friendship.

Ed was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor which he exhibited even in his final stages of life. The funny songs and poems he taught his children, grandchildren and anyone who would listen will be recalled with a smile and bring joy when remembering Ed.

Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery 13313 North Kelly Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73131 following the service at Matthews Funeral Home.