Memorial

Bruce Franklin Boyson, 77, passed away peacefully at his home, with his wife and daughter nearby, as he was being called to his eternal home with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, May 9, 2016. A private family memorial service to celebrate Bruce’s life will take place at a later time.

Bruce was born October 14, 1938, the son of Wallace G. and Pauline L. Boyson in Cedar Rapids. As a young boy and into his teenage years, Bruce worked hard at the family store sweeping floor, and general cleaning of anything that needed done. He also ran errands and delivered packages to customers on his bicycle. Bruce also would tag along to horse and dog shows to watch his father compete. 

He graduated from Franklin High School in 1957. While in school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, sports editor for the school newspaper, and on the tennis team. After graduation, he attended the University of Iowa, graduating in 1959. Bruce was a member of the “Sigma Phi Epsilon” fraternity. From 1960-1966, he served with the Iowa National Guard.
On October 29, 1960, he was married to his high school sweet heart, and love of his life, Shirley Smith. Together they would have three children. In his spare time, Bruce enjoyed working on and rebuilding old Model A cars. His favorite was a 1929 Model A Coop, with a rumble seat that fit his three children perfectly for rides around town and on also on short trips. Taking family trips in the RV was something he and the family always enjoyed. One of their favorite place was out to a little dude ranch in Colorado. They spent their time horseback riding, hiking, see the Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak. But mostly, they loved their time together as a family. 

Bruce greatly enjoyed the outdoors. Specifically caring for the beautiful and spacious, landscaped park like yard, of which he was very meticulous about. He would take his beloved collies for long walks, or play fetch in the backyard. 

Bruce was always ministering to others, no matter who they were, even in the midst of his own pain. He was a devoted servant to the Lord, and faithful to prayer. Shirley and Bruce were very involved with the Marriage Enrichment ministry for twenty-five years, along with Mike and Shirley Hart at First Assembly of God Church in Cedar Rapids. 

Survivors include his wife of fifty-six years, Shirley Boyson; three children, Christine (Craig) Steen, Michael (Gail) Boyson, Steven (Victoria) Boyson; eight grandchildren, Meghan, Courtney, Jonathan, Melissa, Cassandra, Cody, Cole and Cailie Ellen; brother, Robert (Prudence) Boyson; and beloved collie, Jewel.

Memorial donations may be directed to Charles Daugherty “Serve the City” P.O. Box 11333, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-1333 in memory of Bruce. 

A very special thank you to countless friends and neighbors, the tremendous care and compassion given by St. Luke’s Hospice Comfort Care “Team” Andrea, Becky, Angie, Jackie, and Peggy, Home Choice Senior Care and their caring and dedicated staff, along with many others of which we could not have done this without you!