Eli Boatman

Elijah Martz Boatman, 20, of Fort Smith, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023. He was born on September 10, 2002, in Fort Smith, AR. Eli graduated from Southside High School in 2021. While attending, he was captain of the debate team and also an FBLA State Finalist and National Contestant. After graduating, he furthered his studies as a full-time student at UAFS, majoring in business. Eli was co-owner and operator of Allegiance Power Wash LLC. He had major aspirations for his business including starting a construction company and dreamed of moving that business to Texas. Eli accomplished these achievements and much more all while remaining on the dean's list. Eli is survived by his girlfriend, Emma Edwards; his parents, Amy Beshears of Fort Smith and Billy Boatman of Little Rock; three sisters, Evy Beshears of Salado, TX, Victoria Leach of Booneville, AR, and Amanda Mayfield of Gore, OK; his maternal grandmother, Joyce Cameron Beshears of Fort Smith and his paternal grandfather, Ronald Boatman of Barling, along with two nieces, Stella and Oaklyn Heissler. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Tina Stanifer-Lech and his maternal grandfather, David Beshears. Memorial Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Montgomery, Noah Baker, Kyle Vega, Kaleb Stout, Daxton Beshears, and Van Powell.