John Arthur Boyd

John Arthur Boyd was born the eighth of nine children to Leonard and Mildred Boyd on October 10, 1944 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. His early years were spent in Kansas City, Missouri as the youngest of the four children then at home. When he was seven, his younger brother, Reuben, was born, thus completing the family.

Those years he was part of the triad of Rachel, Nathaniel, and himself whose activities were usually done in concert.

- There was teamwork: John couldn't stand frosting on cake, so Nathaniel would eat it for him. A few things went under the edge of each other's plate to be disposed of.

- Rachel wanted more library books than the four she was allowed on her library card, so Nathaniel and John would trudge to the library a mile away to check out books for her on their library cards as well.

- The three were often found at the R. A. Long Museum taking tours, watching planetarium presentations, or attending films and lectures at the "lechery hall" as John called it.

- A very imaginative neighbor girl led the three on many "Dangerous Danger Trips" through the backyards of neighbors.

His childhood was a storybook life in a loving, safe home.

When John was 12, the family moved to Colorado Springs for his mother's health. John finished grade school and graduated from high school at the Peoples Bible College. He later attended college in Pueblo and a technical trade school in Colorado Springs. John loved English. He also had a head for math. He had a special love for music as well.

As a youth he developed a passion for truck driving. In the night if he heard Jake brakes, he would get up and stand by the window to listen. He began his truck driving career with a job at Transit Mix Concrete. He later drove for Chief Petroleum, and finally for Yellow Freight, from which he retired in 2010.

John did two tours in the Army, being stationed in Turkey during part of his first tour. He spent much of that tour filling in a grade above him. He enjoyed his various experiences in Turkey, aware that he was in a very historic part of the world.

When John found himself as a full time single parent, he spared nothing in trying to raise his children well. The door was always open to the numerous friends who needed a safe place to stay.

John was concerned that his grandchildren would not know Jesus, and he started taking them to church when they were very small. After church they would go to Grandma's house and have ramen noodles, followed by cookies and milk.

John had a beautiful bass voice and blessed the church with it over many years. He earnestly sought to worship God and minister to others through the carefully chosen words and music. His heart was committed to his Savior.

After retirement, John travelled from the east coast to the west coast, spending as much time with his children and grandchildren as possible.

Anyone who knew John could say that he was dependable, caring, helpful, uncomplaining, un-selfish and he never cut corners. He made a lot of lives better because of his resilience, love, and effort to others and everything he did.

On Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024, John left for a better world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Boyd and Mildred Boyd, five siblings – Leonard Boyd, Jr; Mary Baker; Barbara Gregory; Pauline Boyd; and David Boyd. Left to mourn his absence are his children John Boyd II, Shannon Ray Boyd, and Tena Renae Millard (Brian) as well as nine grandchildren and eight great grand-children. Also mourning his absence are his remaining siblings – Rachel Boyd, Nathaniel Boyd, and Reuben Boyd along with many nieces and nephews and friends.

A Burial with Military Honors at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, in Colorado Springs, will be held on May 17th, 2024 at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to attend.

A Memorial Service for John will be held on Saturday March 30th, 2024 at 4pm at Calvary Church, 917 S. 25th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.