James William Boyter

Funeral services for James William (Bill) Boyter will be held Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11 am, in the sanctuary of Kisatchie Baptist Church, Kisatchie, Louisiana, with Reverend Ricky Robertson officiating. Burial will follow with a Masonic service in the Kisatchie Church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home in Leesville. Visitation will be Sunday, May 15th, from five pm until nine pm, at Hixson Funeral Home in Leesville.

Bill Boyter passed away Wednesday evening in the Tomball Regional Hospital, Tomball, Texas. He was born in the small logging community of Alco, Vernon parish, April 23, 1923. The attending physician sent a bill for twenty-five dollars for his services.

Most of his youth was spent in the small community of Kisatchie in Natchitoches parish, finishing high school in 1941. After graduation, as was true of many young men of this generation, Bill was enlisted in the US Army to fight in the Second World War. A good part of his service was a member of an artillery unit that supported General Patton in his drive across central Europe.

Prior to departure overseas, dad proposed to his high school sweetheart, Addie Kile, and they married the following day. Most would consider this a hasty decision, but their union lasted sixty-seven years, ending with Addie’s death in January, 2010. Mother spent the war as a Western Union manager. Upon Bill’s return, he became a truck driver, completing thirty years’ service with Red Ball Motor Freight.

Upon retirement, he then began his real passion, farming. Initially, he and Addie raised a variety of food stuff, but soon found success in the sandy hills of west Louisiana as watermelon farmers. Bill became known as the “watermelon man,” with his melons known throughout the area.

Declining health and vision prompted a move to Texas to be near their children, settling in Tomball, just north of Houston. Addie suffered a debilitating illness that necessitated nursing home care, where Bill visited every day. He soon found himself with another label, the “man with the hat,” observing the custom of his day of wearing a hat. His devotion to Addie drew great admiration from the nursing home staff and residents.

Poor health finally won, and he quietly left us Wednesday evening. He leaves behind two children, Sherri, a resident of Humble, Texas, and Dennis (Judy) in Spring, Texas. There are three grandchildren, Tanya Goode (John), Denise Denny and Chris Denny (Ela). His four great grandchildren were the light of his life, Maya Goode, Levi Goode, William Denny and Louis Denny. There are numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Howard Wells, Douglas Wells, Jerry Dean Warren, Don Warren, Dale Warren and Darren Warren.

Special thanks to Candace Brigance and the staff of Serenity Haven Assisted Care Center, and the staff of Tomball Regional Medical Center for the compassion and care extended to Mr. Boyter.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a favorite charity or the Kisatchie Cemetery Association, 142 Old Kisatchie Cemetery Road, Provencal, Louisiana 71468

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our online register at www.hixsonfh.com