GEORGE J. BOESL

George J. Boesl, 79, son of Earl Joseph Boesl and Ada Mae Vaughn, was born April 21, 1925, at Martin, S.D. He died Nov. 12, 2004, at his home at Houston.Mr. Boesl enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Dec. 19, 1942, prior to completing high school. He served in World War II in the southwest Pacific, receiving three Purple Hearts, five major battle Combat Stars, one Presidential Citation, First Battalion Citation and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.He was presented an honorary high school diploma by the state of Missouri as a result of “”Operation Recognition”” honoring World War II veterans who were unable to complete high school as a result of military duty.He married Lois Arlene Linn May 22, 1947, at Dunn. They had three children and settled briefly in Martin, S.D., before moving to the Houston area in 1950.He worked at Watson’s Hardware for 18 years. In 1968, he and local businessman, Windsor “”Pete”” Elmore, went into partnership and started Houston Furniture. They operated the business until their retirement in 1987.After his wife’s death in 1983, he married Nancy Elmore.Mr. Boesl enjoyed many activities including woodworking, providing bluebird houses for church camps and vacation Bible schools, traveling, fishing and family gatherings. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Houston for more than 50 years, serving in many capacities. He was a 50-year member of he American Legion, Masons and Eastern Star.In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, David C. “”Pop”” Lyles; two brothers, Albert Boesl and Don Meckem; two sisters, Francis Bowman and Pearl Meyer; and his second wife, Nancy.Surviving are his children, Georgia Adey of Hillsboro, Earl Boesl of Bartlesville, Okla., and Sharon Rees of Houston; two sisters, Bonnie Manuel of Camby, Ore., and Earlene Spurlin of Winder, Ga.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.Services were Nov. 15 at the First Baptist Church in Houston with burial in the Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.Memorials may be made to the Gideons International. “