Earl J. Boyer, 77, of De Soto died Nov. 22, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus. Mr. Boyer served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He retired as an inspector from the Chrysler Auto Manufacturing Plant in Fenton after 34 years of service and was a member of the U.A.W. Local 136. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf. He was a member of B.P.O.E. 689, Amvets Post 48, American Legion Post 416 and was a Gold Legacy Life member of V.F.W. Post 1831. He held many local, district, state and national offices for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Born May 28, 1946, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Della and Ella (Courtaway) Boyer.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years: Joyce A. (Filkins) Boyer of De Soto; a daughter: Nicole (Larry) Pennock of De Soto; four siblings: Lena Wicker of De Soto; Danny “Sock” (Judy) Boyer of De Soto; Gerald (Kay Kite) Boyer of De Soto and Barbara (Jerry) Coleman of Hematite; a sister-in-law: Judy Filkins Boyer of Farmington; two grandchildren: Carter and Clinton Pennock of De Soto; and many other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by four siblings: Donald Boyer, Bessie Trojahn, Wyman Boyer and Ella Hoffman; a sister-in-law: Sandy Boyer; and two brothers-in-law: Rich Trojahn and Avery Wicker Sr.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. A service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Brad DeLaughter. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 77 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, 63146. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.