Walter Durley Boyle

HENNEPIN - Walter Durley Boyle, 94, of Hennepin died on Sunday, April 13, 2008, in St. Margaret's Hospital in Spring Valley.

Visitation will be held at Dysart Cofoid Funeral Chapel in Granville on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m. Additional visitation will be on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service. Services will take place at Hennepin Methodist Church in Hennepin on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Brian Caughlan will officiate the service. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Hennepin, with military rites by the Hennepin American Legion.

Mr. Boyle was born Dec. 15, 1913, in rural McNabb to Walter Albert and Rey (Durley) Boyle. He married Hazel Marie Hoyle on March 6, 1937. She preceded him in death on Oct. 2, 1994.

He was a graduate of Poole School, John Swaney High School, University of Illinois and the University of Illinois College of Law. He attended Harvard Law School for advanced study.

Mr. Boyle served in active duty during World War II with the United States Navy, including service on Ascension Island.

He was a practicing attorney in Putnam County for more than 70 years, serving as state's attorney for 40 years, an unprecedented accomplishment.

He was a generous advocate of education, establishing numerous scholarships for Putnam County students and serving on the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board for Illinois Valley Community College.

Mr. Boyle was a strong supporter of Putnam County and Hennepin by working with local citizens to improve and maintain the fine quality of his community through numerous local causes and charities. His generosity reached beyond his home with his generous support of the American Heart Association, St. Margaret's Hospital and numerous organizations.

He was an active member of the Hennepin Methodist Church.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying wildlife, duck hunting and his daily walk down the Indian path.

Mr. Boyle was the recipient of numerous awards for his professional expertise and his generosity and caring for others. Most recently he was awarded Hennepin Citizen of the Year, the Studs Terkel Award and the Ageless Achievers Award and was inducted into the newly established Hall of Fame for Illinois Valley Community College.

He is survived by his brother, Francis Boyle of McNabb; his sister-in-law, Ruth Scarratt of Florida; Marcy McGrady of Texas; and Jon Bumgarner of California.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, Putnam County Historical Society or donor's choice.