Alan R. "Al" Boaz

Born April 10, 1952 in Davenport, Iowa to Royce and Luella (Boonstra) Boaz, he married Lois A. Thomas on May 10, 1975 in Peoria, Illinois.

His parents, Royce and Luella Boaz, and in-laws, Harlan and Mazie Thomas, preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Lois, and his children, Robert (Cara) Boaz of Chicago and Lisa (Robert) Woodward of St. Louis. Also surviving are his two grandchildren, Leila and Nathan, three brothers, Jim (Beth) Boaz, Tom (Nancy) Boaz and Stephen (Mae) Boaz, sister-in laws Barb Thomas and Peggy (Jeff) Cooke, and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Al graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Decatur, IL in 1970. He attended Western Illinois University, where he maintained a rigorous intramural schedule and social calendar with his TKE brothers, graduating with a bachelors degree in business with an emphasis in accounting in 1974. Al received a masters in business administration from Illinois State University.

Al spent 30 years at Wayne Printing Company in Peoria as their Controller, retiring in 2005. Following his retirement, he continued to do the accounting for small companies and various charities and causes throughout Peoria. In addition to his work, Al spent many years as co-chairman of the Richwoods Summer Basketball Tournament and on the committee for the Illinois High School Association State Basketball Tournament.

He was involved throughout the Peoria community and was especially passionate about his work with the Irving School Buddy Program and Irving School/Peoria Park District Soccer Program. He enjoyed watching and coaching local sports and was a supporter of all Peoria athletes. He also enjoyed, and agonized over, Illinois athletics and while his children attended the University of Illinois from 2000 to 2007, he was present at every football tailgate, grilling for and offering life advice to all of their friends.

Al loved spending time on the golf course, especially at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria and at Vasari Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida. He loved carrying a low handicap, hitting towering drives, and sinking impossible putts, but never all at once because that would have been unfair to his golf buddies. He was happiest when he was with his family, especially his two grandchildren, who both love their Papa and Baba Lolo very much. He was excited to find out that there is another on the way later this year.

Al was incredibly generous and what’s truly remarkable in his passing is realizing how many times he was there for everyone in his life. He was well known as an avid golfer, intrepid bocce referee and great humorist. He treated all of his children’s friends like his own and never met a stranger.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 W. Willow Knolls Drive in Peoria. Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 5, at First United Methodist Church in Peoria with a visitation prior to the service at the church, beginning at 1 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Robert Phillips will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603 (www.fumcpeoria.org) or to the Peoria Salvation Army, 401 NE Adams St, Peoria, IL 61603 (www.peoriasalvationarmy.org). You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.