William Clyde Boatman

William Clyde Boatman born February 14th, 1925 passed on to be with his wife Lila on January 4th, 2018. Bills life was one that novels are written about. As a child he knew hardship with the loss of his parents. His Uncle Hansford took him in and raised him in New Mexico. Then his life of service to his country began. First in the Navy in WWII, then as a Navy Corpsman in Korea, where he survived against all odds in the Battle at Chosin Reservoir. He always came back to Lila, his softer side that smoothed his rough edges. Then he began his life of serving the community that he loved by becoming a teacher, getting involved in the Lions club of Roseville, being a mentor in the Big Brothers organization, and donating blood, eventually becoming a 50 gallon donor. As if this wasn’t enough, he became a part time real estate agent and earned his Master’s degree at night.

Bill was greatly respected and loved, but while he achieved all of these things, his greatest achievement was a true love story of 72 years. Bill and Lila married in 1945. That union produced a son, Hansford Sr., 5 grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. No matter where you fell on the family tree they were always Grandpa and Grandma.

Although he will be greatly missed and always in our hearts, we understand that his greatest struggle was not war, or the hardships of a life fully lived. It was carrying on after the love of his life was gone. She was his everything. We take comfort in knowing that they are reunited again.

Services in celebration of Bill’s life will be held on January 27th 2018 at 10am. at Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Donation may be made in memory of Bill to the following organizations.

1) Commission To Every Nation

P.O. BOX 291307 Kerrville, TX 78029-1307

Payable to: CTEN, Preferred To: Pierce in Kenya

2) Boys Town

P.O. Box 6000 Boys Town

NE 68010