John Alexander Boyles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Alexander Boyles, who departed this life on June 29, 2024 at the age of 94.

John was born on July 29,1929 in DeLand, Florida to John Lee Boyles and Janie Bell Wedekind Boyles.

John is survived by his four children:

Robert William Boyles (Rebecca) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Richard Lee Boyles (Kathy) of Edgewater, Florida

Deborah Ann Boyles Goebel (Lee) of Olympia, Washington

Raymond Edward Boyles of Casselberry, Florida

Ten grandchildren:

Brian Robert Boyles (Nicole) of Indio, California

Darrel William Boyles (Sarah) of Spanish Fort, Alabama

Zachary Taylor Boyles of Edgewater, Florida

Jonathan Lee Boyles (Julia) of Berlin, Vermont

Kathleen Marie Boyles of Plattsburgh, New York

Anming Aikea Alexander of Kathmandu, Nepal

Christina Nicole Gorman of Olympia, Washington

Ryan Robert Harris (Maria) of St. Cloud, Florida

Christopher David Harris of Winter Springs, Florida

Kevin Edward Boyles of Casselberry, Florida

Matthew James Boyles (Beth) of Lake Mary, Florida

He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren and he has another one on the way.

John was preceded in death by:

John Lee Boyles - father

Janie Bell Wedekind Boyles - mother

Mary Lee Boyles Chancey Caldwell - sister

Peggy Marie Henderson Boyles - 1st spouse

Mary Ruth Crooke Boyles - 2nd spouse

John graduated from DeLand High School in 1947.

He graduated from The University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 1952. He then joined The United States Air Force as an Aviation Cadet in 1952 and became a helicopter pilot.

He served in The 48th Air Rescue Squadron (a unit of the world-wide combat ready Air Rescue Service) as a Helicopter Rescue Crew Commander. He served in both Korea and Vietnam.

He was also stationed several other places in the United States, Tachikawa, Japan, and Tripoli, Libya, Africa. He was decorated with several medals and awards, including:

Military Air Transport Services Individual Flying Safety Award

Distinguished Flying Cross (for outstanding airmanship and bravery at Bien Hoa, Vietnam)

A Bronze Star

Two Air Medals (but four different letters of heroic achievement)

Military Merit

United Nations Korean Service Medal

He served in the Air Force from Dec 16, 1953 through Aug 31, 1972.

John was compassionate about life and the missions, intelligent, logical, practical and wise. He had a calm, cool, and collected attitude and handled emergency situations with ease. He was a quiet man, but had a fun-loving personality and great sense of humor.

He was reserved and logical, which might leave a mistakenly solemn impression, but those who knew him came to appreciate his fantastically dry sense of humor.

John was a dedicated and devoted family man, always concerned with what the family was doing and he really enjoyed spending time with them.

He was grateful for everyone he encountered in his life and was also a very humble man - giving all the credit to others. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, mentoring all with his words of wisdom. He was an excellent husband to both Peggy (1st spouse) and Mary ( 2nd spouse).

He loved cooking, woodworking, singing, sailing, dancing, traveling, and spending time with the family

He was a bright light in this world and touched many lives with his wisdom, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 10AM at

Deltona Memorial Funeral Home

1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, Florida 32763

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Without Borders in John’s honor at www.hospicewithoutborders.com

The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to:

Jodi Harvey and Martin Saunur

Alice Partin

Lissette Kazaks

Ashley Schoonover

For their unconditional love and dedication to caring for Mary, and then later for John, allowing both to have quality care in the comfort of their home for many years.

He loved you dearly and we are so grateful for your care!

John Alexander Boyles will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends!