April 7, 1920 - February 3, 2011
Elroy Herbert Boysen received the gift of life on April 7, 1920 in
Shiner, TX. His parents were Max Otto Boysen and Frieda nee
Klaus Boysen. Elroy was baptized into the Christian faith on
November 7, 1920. He grew up as a child in the community known
as Cheapside, TX. Elroy publically affirmed his faith in Christ Jesus
as his personal Savior on the day of his confirmation, September 5,
1937. His confirmation verse is John 9:4 “As long as it is day, we
must do the work for Him who sent me, night is coming when no
one can work”. On November 25, 1940, Elroy age 20 left his home
in Gonzales, TX and activated at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, TX with
the Texas National Guard 36th Infantry Division. The Fighting 36th,
who’s record is outstanding in the annals of America’s military
history, were the first to invade Hitler’s Europe at Salerno, Italy on
September 9, 1943. Elroy fought the following; Naples-Foggia,
Rome-Arno, Anzio, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace,
and Central Europe Campaigns and made amphibious assault
landings at Salerno and Southern France. The 36th suffered over
27,000 casualties, the third highest of any World War II division.
Elroy received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, American Defense
Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal,
and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Elroy served his country as First
Sergeant and returned home from the front line for a 30 day
furlough. While on leave Elroy married Anna Marie nee Tieken in
the Lutheran Church in Gonzales, TX on December 8, 1944. After
leave he returned to his unit in France. In 1945 Elroy was
discharged after the end of World War II and he and Ann made their
home in Houston, TX. Elroy is a Life Member of the Houston
Chapter and National Chapter of the 36th Division. Elroy is also
recognized in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New
Windsor, NY, www.thepurpleheart.com.
On October 3, 1948 his daughter Linda Marie was born. Ann and
Elroy purchased their first home at 931 Nashua St, Houston, TX in
1950. This was their residence until May 2008 when they moved to
assisted living at The Heights of Gonzales. Elroy was employed by
Brinks Armored Car for 23 years. He joined Anheuser-Busch in
Houston for 12 years, and his final employer was Jake’s where he
worked for 7 years and retired in 1988. Elroy’s favorite sports were
fishing and deer hunting. He spent many years of enjoyment in
Daisy, AR where he went camping and fishing. He also enjoyed
many years of hunting in Weimer and Gonzales, TX.
Elroy and Ann were blessed with 67 years of marriage. They were
members of Zion Lutheran Church in Houston, TX and are presently
members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gonzales, TX. Elroy
was extremely proud that each of his two Grandsons served their
country. Brant in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm and Barry in
the U.S. Army in Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and Operation
Red Dawn in Iraq. Elroy lived and believed the following throughout
his life and made a plaque which honors his Dad, Brothers, and
Grandsons. It states:
“May Patriotism, Honor, and Respect Prevail Forever”
Elroy is preceded in death by his two brothers Verlon and Vernon
Boysen. He is survived by his wife Ann, his daughter and her
husband Linda and George Hearne. Two Grandsons; Brant Hearne
and his wife Michelle and Barry Hearne and his wife Jacqueline
Hearne. Two Great Grandsons Pierce and Caul Hearne.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 6, 2011, from 1:00 P.M. to
4:00 P.M.at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel in Gonzales, Texas.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 7, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at
Buffington Funeral Home Chapel in Gonzales, Texas. Burial will follow at
Gonzales City Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home,
424 St Peter Street Gonzales, TX. 830-672-3322
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