John D. Boyer, 84, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. He was born October 21, 1939, in Tiff, Missouri, a son of the late Arthur Earl “John” and Hettie (Thornton) Boyer. He married Emma Lou (Irish) Boyer on October 7, 1961, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granite City and she survives. At four years old he waited for his friends on the steps of St. Joachim School. While waiting, the teacher, Miss Alla finally invited him in and this began his educational career. He attended Potosi High School and Granite City High School. Following high school, he earned a B.S. of Education degree majoring in history and business at Western Illinois University. He began his 35 year teaching career at Logan elementary school and retired in 1993 from Prather elementary school. He enjoyed teaching Sixth grad Social Studies and Math through the years. John was an active participant in the Teacher’s Union Local #743. He had served as president and was instrumental in negotiating eight contracts. John was a great sports enthusiast, both as a participant and as a spectator. Through the years he enjoyed golfing with friends, coaching high school girls basketball and loved the Cardiac Cardinals and held Stan Musial as his hero. He was a voracious reader and had a love for animals and cherished his dog, Smokey. John enjoyed being with his Mystic Knights at Smokey Joes in Pontoon Beach. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Mary “Jeanine” Collins and Arnold Sternberg of Hot Springs, Arkansas; nephew, Bryan Boyer; niece, Jean Garner; nephew, Bradley Boyer; great nephew, John A. White; great-great niece, Aubrey P. White; other nieces; nephews; extended family and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Vincent “Pete” Boyer and a nephew, John Adams.
A memorial visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Partners for Pets, American Heart Association or the American Parkinson’s Association and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com.
