Robert J. "Bob" Boaz's Obituary
Decatur – Robert J. Boaz, 87, of Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Affectionately known as “Big Bob”, he was born on August 28, 1928 in Paducah, Kentucky, the youngest son of Raymond and Gertrude (Dedrick) Boaz. He played college basketball for St. Joe’s in Rensselaer, IN, before proudly wearing #24 as a member of the Memphis State basketball team. Bob received special recognition as a “Duke of Paducah” and the honor of being named a “Kentucky Colonel” by Governor John Y. Brown of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He passed down his love for Kentucky basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals to his whole family. Bob married Peggy Sue Miller on August 31, 1950 in Paducah. He enjoyed 30 years as a medical representative for Merck. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church for 55 years and was an avid supporter of St. Teresa High School.
Bob is survived by his wife Peg, his children: Karen (Dave) Barding and their children, Melissa (Merle) Mixell, of Chicago and Brad (Kimberly) Barding of Decatur; Kevin (Sally) Boaz and their son Kyle, of St. Charles, MO; Keely (Cary) Peters and their sons, Michael (Jessica), David (Jillian), and Adam Peters, all of Decatur; Kent (Denise) Boaz and their children Seth, Madelyn & Marshall Boaz of Mt. Zion; daughter-in-law Debbie Boaz and her daughter Laura (Adam) Feriozzi of Decatur, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, family and friends that he loved dearly. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers Dick and Bill, and his eldest son Robert Keith Boaz.
Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bob’s life will be at 12:00pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, V.F. and Monsignor David Peters celebrants. Visitation will be from 10:00am until time of the Mass in the church. Burial will follow in Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Catholic School, St. Teresa High School or donor’s choice.
The family of Robert Boaz is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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