Robert James "Bob" Boardman

1942 - 2025

Robert "Bob" James Boardman

March 31, 1942 - April 17, 2025

Carthage, North Carolina - Major Robert James "Bob" Boardman, 83, a proud 21-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, left this life April 17, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill after a courageous five-year battle against sebaceous carcinoma, a rare cancer.

The Lancaster (Wis.) High School graduate was a Carthage, N.C., resident and lived in Clayton, N.C., Newport, N.C., Manassas, Va., and the many places military service took his family.

Born March 31, 1942, in Kansas City, Mo., the Vietnam veteran leaves family and friends to tell tales of his military and Prince William County (Va.) School System service and talents as a mechanic, artist, RV traveler, and maker of ice cream.

Visitation is 10 a.m. Friday, April 25, at McLaurin Funeral Home and Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 U.S. 70 Business West in Clayton, followed by an 11 a.m. service and interment with military honors. A celebration of life will be held in Carthage at a later date.

Bob is survived by an adoring blended family, including wife Joanne Essey Boardman of Carthage. Their third anniversary would have been April 30.

Bob also leaves daughters Teri Boggess (John) of Raleigh, Tami Boardman of Clayton, and Tania Boardman of Cary; grandson Jack Golder of Cary; stepdaughter Lindsey Trockenbrot (Austin) and step-grandchildren Parker and Charlotte of Carthage; and stepson Louis Agaliotis of Greensboro, N.C. He also leaves sister Becky Nodorft (Rex) of Janesville, Wis.; and brothers-in-law Walton Ready (Joyce) of Roscoe, Ill., Henry Essey (Sandra) of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Alan Essey of Campobello, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dorene (Ready) Boardman, and his parents, Chester and Pearl (Frankland) Boardman.

The family thanks the medical professionals who worked to extend Bob's life.

Memorial contributions: UNC Lineberger Cancer Center or National Museum of the Marine Corps.