C W "Wesley" Boyd

Clarence Wesley Boyd, a loving husband and devoted father, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the age of 98.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Life Church in Wichita Falls.  Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gene Holley officiating.  Interment will be held at 2 p.m. at Crestview Memorial Park.

Born June 17, 1927 in Grandfield, Wesley was one of eleven children born to Grady and Bertha Boyd.  His life began in the Oklahoma fields as a sharecropper, picking cotton, a meager upbringing that forged the legendary work ethic and resilience he carried for nearly a century.

Wesley was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the latter part of World War II.  He served honorably through the ensuing national emergency, embodying the discipline and “Semper Fi” spirit of the Corps throughout his life.

Following his military service, Wesley’s career was defined by hard work and a drive to provide.  He drove freight trucks for many companies before beginning a distinguished 25 plus year career with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad.  He later founded Boyd’s Construction, where his skill and integrity became his trademark.

In December of 1962, Wesley married Ruby Lois Barr.  Their forty two year union was the foundation of a large and loving family, and they shared a life defined by devotion until her passing.

From the cotton fields of his youth, to the life built around family and a devotion to God, Wesley’s 98 years were a testament to the strength of his character.  He was a man who knew the value of a handshake and the peace of a home well-loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings Arvil, Victor, Aubrey, and Kenneth Boyd, Nell June Franklin, Bertha Lois Barnes, and Jacqueline Boyd.

Wesley is survived by his children, Victor Boyd of Sacramento, California, Michael Boyd and wife Terrie of Orangevale, California, Jeff Boyd of Burkburnett, Julie Shahan and husband Curtis of Wichita Falls, and Dena Stafford and husband Randy of League City; grandchildren Shauna Hempstead, Shelly Spaeth, Kelsey Shahan, Heather Forren and husband Nick, Wesley Shahan and wife Presley, and Ashton Trumps; as well as five great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, Jimmie Boyd of Mesquite, sisters Louise Smith and husband Bud of Whitesboro, and Gladys Duncan of Wichita Falls, along with many nieces and nephews.