John Boyd

John Carl Boyd, 82, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2018.

He was born August 22, 1935, in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Eunice and John D. Boyd. He was raised in Thermopolis where he graduated from high school in 1953. The following year he met the love of his life, Erzeldia F. Warren in Lander, Wyo. After a brief courtship they were engaged and married May 28, 1955. The couple traveled around for John’s work the first few years of marriage living in Wyoming, Idaho, Texas and around the southwest. They had two children. Patricia Jolene was born in 1957 and John Craig was born in 1960. The Boyds settled in Billings, Mont., in 1962 where John bought a Texaco Gas Station on 1st Avenue South.

John started working for National Advertising in 1964, moving the family to Salt Lake in 1965 for a year. They returned to Billings and he remained with National until 1979. John then worked for serval auto parts stores until retiring in 1997. He and Zelda enjoyed vacationing around the U.S., as well as several trips to Canada, Italy and Mexico. Probably his most memorable time was a fishing trip to Alaska with his friend Dave. In retirement he spent his time traveling, fishing and target shooting with friends. He and Zelda spent their retirement wintering in Arizona until Zelda’s health began to decline. Although conservative with money, John was always willing to help out or sacrifice in order to help others. Family and friends were important to John. When Zelda required care outside the home, John made daily visits to her for nearly four years. He was the ideal husband and father.

He is survived by a sister, Maycle Wilson of Thermopolis; daughter, Patty McMullin of Billings; son, John Craig Boyd of Ocean Park, Wash.; grandsons, Austin and Marcus Boyd; great-granddaughter Sheyenne McRorie-Boyd.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Erzeldia in May 2016.

Memorial services were held Saturday, June 9.