William Eugene Boyd

William Eugene "Gene” Boyd, 95 years old, died October 7th, 2024, at the Oak Hill community in Waterloo, Illinois. Gene was born on June 12th, 1929, in Flora, Illinois, the first son of William & Frieda (Klein) Boyd. He played both football and basketball for Flora High School, earning the nickname of “Spider”. At age 17, he started working on the B & O Railroad, spending his entire working career at various positions from pipe fitter to supervisor. He was a railroader at heart, having followed his father and grandfather in their occupations.

He is survived by his daughter Deb and son-in-law, Jim Cronenberg, their children Christopher and Kimberly, and 4 grandchildren from Arizona, as well as 3 cousins, Roger and John Rauch of California, and Elizabeth Henderson of Phoenix. From his second marriage in 1981 to Norma (Waite, Woodrome), he is survived by Sandy & Tim (Ritter), Joanne (Kramer), Gilbert Jr & Mary, Tom & Linda, Jeff & Vicky, and Janet & Dale (Vise). He also leaves behind family friends of 60 years in, the Casson family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Ed, his first wife Mildred, his beloved brother, Jerry, and his second wife Norma.

He loved being a grandpa to his 20 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. He enjoyed taking them to the St Louis zoo, Gateway Arch, the Muny opera, or Science Center, and he had as much fun as the kids. He also played tennis with some of the kids, and was in a senior tennis league while in his 80s. He loved to fish, always finding the most outrageous fishing hat, which held his favorite lures. He loved reading books to the younger kids, while replacing entire storylines, entertaining all of us. He had a garden every summer, and grew the best tomatoes. He & Norma enjoyed playing pool with their grandkids, when they visited, and often a poker or dominos game, but his real thrill was the craps tables in Las Vegas.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

Memorial Service:
11 AM Friday, October 11, 2024 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
     Rev. Jonathan Bangera officiating
There will be a luncheon immediately following at the Acorns Pub and Grill.

Come and share your stories about his life. Gene loved his beer and it would be appropriate to raise a glass to him in remembrance.