John Boyd

CARBONDALE - John F. Boyd, 60, of rural Carbondale, died at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2010, at his home.

He was born Nov. 4, 1949, in Glendale, Calif., to George Noel and Marjorie Mae (Palmer) Boyd.

John was married to his dear wife, Joy Sherry for more than 40 years.

Survivors include his wife, Joy of Carbondale; one brother, George. M. (Sally) Boyd of El Paso, Ill.; two sisters, Deb Monical of Lake Geneva, Wis., and Elaine Golich of North Aurora; an aunt, Florence Leefeldt of St. Louis Park, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marjorie Boyd; and one sister, Diane Boyd.

He had a master's degree in telecommunications from SIUC. He worked as an artist, art instructor and producer for more than 30 years. John taught many art classes for children and adults in Southern Illinois, and also taught art classes for children at Denver Art Museum. While living in Denver, and then Clearwater, Fla., John produced videos and provided technical services for large medical facilities. In Florida, John also produced a series of three children's videos, titled "Drawing for Fun." After moving back to Southern Illinois, John produced an Emmy-award-winning instructional television program for children titled: "The Rainbow Trail." John produced numerous videos for Carbondale Elementary schools and then worked as fundraising producer for WSIU Public Television and Radio.

Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, in Church of the Good Shepherd, 515 S. Orchard Drive in Carbondale, with Pastor Janice West officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Alto Pass Cemetery.

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home, Old Illinois 13 between Carbondale and Murphysboro, is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.