Bobby D. “Bob” Boyt was born April 2, 1939 in Marion to Jack Boyt and Amy Haesker Barnett. He married Emily Sue Bishop on September 19, 1998.
Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in accounting.
He worked for GTE for 25 years. He was a priesthood member of the Community of Christ Church for 35 years and a member of the Marion Rotary Club and Paradise Alley Players.
Boyt served as councilman for the City of Marion from 1998 to his death in 2007. He was replaced on the council by Bob Owens.
He spent a lot of time coaching boys and girls in youth sports programs, volunteered at the youth camps at Brush Creek campgrounds and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed building new homes and restoring old homes and was an avid fan of the Southern Illinois Miners.
Boyt resided and operated Boyt Accounting Service out of his home at 1016 N. Van Buren Street.
Bob Boyt, 68, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 5:37 A.M. in St. Louis University Hospital.
Mayor, Bob Butler, said of his friend, “Bob was a tremendous individual and an outstanding City Commissioner.” The Mayor went on to say, ”The City Council always appreciated his wisdom and insight, Bob will certainly be missed.” The Mayor also reflected that his friend was a quiet and professional person. And that no matter how difficult or heated a situation may get, Bob would never get upset or show his anger. “He was a respected member of this Council, and it will be difficult to replace him,” the Mayor stated sadly.
Bob was dedicated to his children and grandchildren, attending all of their events. He enjoyed singing, recording songs with his grandchildren and playing the guitar.
Survivors include: Wife Emily Sue of Marion, Son Doug Boyt and wife Jana of St. Joseph, Mo. Three Daughters; Beresa and husband Dr. Steve Barnett of Sikeston, Mo., Kyla Hafeli and husband Scott of Marion, Becky Rhine and husband Keith of Marion, Step-Son, Jim Peterson and wife Julie of Wildwood, Mo., Step-Daughter, Tara Sue Peterson of Troy, Mo.
Ten Grandchildren; Tara, Erica, Taylor, Zachary, Karris, Jordyn, Katelyn, Cody, Connor, Hunter.
Three Step Grandchildren; Allison, Emily, Jenny and grandson-in-law Josh.
Two Step Great Grandchildren Step-Mother Vida Boyt of Carterville Brother Bill Boyt and wife Rita of Colorado Springs, Co., Charles Boyt of Brookport, Il., Sister Shirley Davis and husband Martin of Marion.
Many nieces and nephews, Brother-in-law & sister-in-laws; Gordon & Jo Ellen Lambert of Marion, Rev. Fred & Jan Bishop of DuQuoin, Halene & Mervin Hampleman of DuQuoin, Dona & Robert Eaton of DuQuoin, Step-Brothers: Gary Jones of Carterville David Jones of Prairie Village, Ks., Steve Jones of West Frankfort.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Boyt and Amy (Barnett) Boyt.
Funeral services were held Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 1:30 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Elder Gordon Lambert officiating. Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation was held Saturday evening from 5:00 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
(Extracted from his obituary at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; Marion Living Magazine article, September 2007; compiled by Sam Lattuca on 10/10/2013)