Donald K. Boyee

GIRARD - Donald K. Boyee, 99, departed this life on Jan. 4, 2010, just 7 days prior to his 100th birthday.

He was born at home in Henry County, Ohio on Jan. 11, 1910. He was the oldest son of Christian and Hettie (Shumaker) Boyee. As a small boy, he witnessed the Great Flood of 1913.

Don learned to play the harmonica while bringing in the cows on the family farm. He bought his first car, a model A Ford, at age 14 to drive to high school in Defiance. One of his first jobs was hand-drilling holes for an electrician.

Don attended colleges in three states. He earned his BA in Education at Youngstown College in 1935 and his Masters in Education at the University of Pittsburgh in 1949. Mid-career, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps, during World War II. He served in the United States, England, France and Germany from age 32 to 36. He achieved the rank of Captain.

He married Eileen Brown on June 6, 1948. They raised four children.

Don enjoyed all of his teaching experiences, but his greatest love was Maple Avenue School with Girard High School a close second.

His family was raised on stories of baseball, football and volleyball contests against the other grade schools. As Girard High School principal, Don established and supervised dances after home football games. This was for fun and to keep the students from being too rowdy in town. He seemed to have an innate sense of students' character and what they needed to be helped in life.

Upon retiring from 40 years in education at age 61, Don sold cars for the next 10 years. Through the decades well into his 90s, Don remained quite active. He was a skilled woodworker and well known in the neighborhood for giving handmade toys to the children. He also sold at craft fairs.

He taught classes for his daughter and granddaughter when he was 89. Don mowed his own lawn to age 95. He enjoyed golfing and playing pool with some buddies to age 98. Don taught and/or was principal in Mineral Ridge from 1931 to 1934, Negley from 1934 to 1936, Maple Avenue from 1936 to 1942 and 1946 to 1955, Girard High School from 1955 to 1971.

Don was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Masonic Lodge, Kiwarus Club, Girard Public Library Board, Boy Scout Counselor, the Girard First United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School and composed a hymn.

During his life, Don acquired expertise in many areas. His talents included art, painting, poetry, car mechanics, electrical, woodworking, home improvements, innovations, and upholstery, he had worked on telephone poles, built a house, single- handedly put on a slate roof, worked in the steel mills, and had run the summer school programs. He made furniture, clocks, doll houses, and too many items to mention. He loved to dance to the sounds of the Big Bands, cars, Lawrence Welk, a good joke, to watch kids have fun, to recite a funny riddle, and continued to entertain all with the harmonica.

Don and Eileen tried their best to instill character, values, and integrity in their children. They led by example. Don liked people of all ages and enjoyed doing what made others happy. He often said, "I want to do what you want to do." He is remembered by friends even into his last years as an intelligent, kind, soft-spoken gentlemen with a warm smile,

Don is survived by his sister, Mildred Austermiller of Ayersville; his children, Donald M. (Darlene) of Woodstock, Ga., William F. (Phyllis) of Vandalia, Mary K. of McDonald and Janice E, (Dan) Stevens of Girard; his grandchildren, Katie Boyee, Jennifer and Steven Boyee and Andrew and Erin Stevens; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen in 2007; and his brother, Clifton.

Heartfelt gratitude to Alice Stoudt, the care givers from Home Instead, Maryann Campolito, Lauri Loibl, Patty Stellmar and Barb Ullom, the entire staff at Victoria House, Dlrector Danielle Russo and Ad. Asst. Carol Lucurell The above were invaluable in making Don's final years so very comfortable, filled with such joy, contentment and safety.