In Memory of Ormel Iverson (Jack) Boyd, 99th Infantry Division, POW, Purple Heart, Bronze Star

Ormel Iverson (Jack) Boyd, a Lockhart resident since 1992, died April 27, 2007. He was born October 6, 1923, to Thomas Jackson Boyd and Beulah Echo Spence near Chilton, in Falls County, Texas. He retired after 33 years as Chief of the Business and Rural Development Program, Farmers Home Administration (FmHA), USDA. He was awarded and recognized for his work with community leaders organizing water supply systems to serve rural communities in Texas. 

A veteran of World War II, he volunteered in 1943 while attending John Tarleton College, attended Army Specialized Training Program engineering courses at East Texas State Teachers College and in March 1944 was assigned to the 99th Infantry Division, receiving advanced training at Camp Maxey, Paris, Texas. 

He shipped to Europe in September 1944 and was on the front line in December with the 99th Infantry at the start of the Battle of the Bulge. Wounded and captured, he was a prisoner of war until April 29, 1945. His service awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and two battle stars. 

Following his discharge he received a BS degree in Agricultural Education and a Master of Education from Texas A&M. He was preceded in death in 1978 by his wife Marjorie Pearl Beasley and a brother, Melvin Boyd. 

He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Frances Schubert Bozarth Boyd of Lockhart; his sons, Don of Georgetown and Alan of West Columbia; grandsons, Michael of Georgetown and Tim, Ben, Zack and Nathan of West Columbia; a granddaughter, Amanda Sheffield of Houston; and a great-granddaughter and great grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Geneva Davis of Austin; brother, Nolan of McGregor; sister, Ruth Nicholson of Pinetops, NC; and brother, Leland of Amarillo. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and other treasured family and friends. A visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Eeds Funeral Home in Lockhart. A celebration memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church in Lockhart. Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m., at Union Cemetery, near Durango in Falls County. The family requests memorials to the First Presbyterian Church in Lockhart; to the American Heart Association; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on Apr. 30, 2007