Ronald Boulware

Ronald E. Boulware, age 94, a life-long resident of Columbus, KS, passed away September 20, 2018. He was born February 16, 1924 to Earl J. and Edythe P. (Mosher) Boulware. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Francine; five children: Deborah (Dr. Lynn) O’Neal, Lawrence, KS; Ronald Dan (Dale) Boulware, St. Joseph, MO; Barbara (Scott) McClain, Nevada, MO; Rebecca (John) Johnston, Belleville, IL; Kim (Cristie) Boulware, Cherokee, KS; four step children; thirteen grandchildren who include Jade (Heather) Brown and David Johnston, of Lawrence; eighteen great grandchildren; many step-grandchildren; brother, Charles L. Boulware, Albuquerque, NM. He was pre-deceased by his parents and in 1997 by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne (Bradney) Boulware.

Mr. Boulware was an Eagle Scout, and played basketball at Independence Community College before transferring to the University of Kansas to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. During WWII, he served in the US Army, 1878th Aviation Engineers in the South Pacific. He was awarded three combat stars. Upon returning from the service, he opened a Goodyear & General Electric store in Columbus, and later combined it with Boulware Hardware with his father. He joined New York Life Insurance Company in 1958, where he had a distinguished 30-year career.

Ron was very active in community and civic affairs. As a KU alumnus who loved basketball, he was an avid KU fan. He enjoyed morning coffee with his friends, dancing, gardening, trips to visit family, and trips to Branson with the Jesters. He also had an interest in photography and used that hobby to record many family events. However, his real interest was his family, who affectionately called him "Pop-pop." Family reunions were special, and for years he hosted the entire family for a biennial gathering at Tablerock Lake.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held Friday, October 19, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Columbus, with a visitation at 9:30 a.m., preceding the service. Burial will be in the Columbus Park Cemetery. Bath-Naylor Funeral Home is in charge of services. Memorials have been established at the Columbus United Methodist Church, 320 W. Maple Street, Columbus, Kansas, 66725, and the Columbus Community Foundation, P.O. Box 323, Columbus, Kansas, 66725.