Arlet Iris Boyer

Graveside service: 1 p.m. Thursday in Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Laurel Land Funeral Home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials to go to St. Luke Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1404 Sycamore School Road, Fort Worth 76134; the Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 East Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth 76103; or the Parkinson's Support Group of Tarrant County, P.O. Box 939, Hurst 76053.

Arlet was born on Feb. 1, 1931, to Clarence and Emilie Roth Boyer in Keokuk, Iowa. He grew up on a farm and attended a one-room school until entering high school in Donnellson, Iowa. In 1951 he entered the Air Force as an enlisted man, and proceeded to the rank of staff sergeant when he entered Officer Candidate School. Here he met his future wife, Helen Trammell, who was also an officer candidate. They were married after graduation and commissioning as second lieutenants. Arlet went on to Navigator and Electronic Warfare schools. Helen later resigned her commission so they could begin their family and remain together. Arlet was sent to Takhli, Thailand, during the Vietnam War and flew 100 missions as the electronic warfare officer in unarmed reconnaissance aircraft. He later flew on B-52's on 24-hour missions from Guam to Vietnam for two years. His last assignment was at Carswell AFB as the combat crew training squadron chief. Arlet retired from the Air Force in 1977. He was a true "mustang," having gone from enlisted to officer status. He achieved a bachelor's degree in math and physics and a master's degree in math while in the Air Force. After discharge, he obtained another master's in computer science.

Arlet was employed at Bell Helicopter for the next 12 years. He later went to Tarrant County College as an adjunct instructor in computer science for the next 20 years. His most favorite job was working with students who were having difficulty with programming classes and needed extra help. He retired from teaching at the age of 81.

He was a Master Mason, a member of the Parkinson's Disease Support Group, and St. Luke Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He loved square dancing and was a former member of Circle 8 Square Dance Club, General Dynamics Square Dance Club, and other square and round dance clubs. He and Helen danced several times a month for many years.

Arlet was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Robin Elise Boyer.

Survivors: He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen; sons, Alex of Fort Worth and Andrew of London, England; sisters, Arleta Hollyman of Quincy, Ill., and Joyce Harness of Columbia, Tenn.; plus several nieces and nephews.