He spent his youth on a farm near Nehawka and graduated from Nehawka High School with the class of 1944 at the age of 16. After high school he attended Peru State Teachers College, until he enlisted in the US Army late in the Second World War and served in the occupation of Japan.

After being discharged, he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He was affiliated with the ALPHA GAMMA RHO Social Fraternity and the ALPHA ZETA Agricultural Honorary Fraternity. After graduating, Boyd was called back into the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant and served in the Korean War.

When he returned from Korea, Boyd farmed for a few years with his father. Then he opened his business in Plattsmouth, the Linder Firestone Store in 1956 at 5th & Main Street and later moved the business to its present location at 134 North 6th Street.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Plattsmouth, where he had been a member of the Board of Trustees and had served as the Church Treasurer.

Along with owning and operating his business he also was committed to community service. His first project was the founding of a much needed golf course and country club. In 1956 he was instrumental with the purchase of the land, the sale of bonds, and volunteer construction of a 9-hole golf course. He served as the charter president for the first two years of the Plattsmouth Country Club and served on the board of directors for several years.

Boyd devoted much of his time and effort to the American Legion by serving as Commander of the Legion Post #266 in Nehawka and assuming this same leadership at Hugh J. Kerns Post #56 in Plattsmouth. As commander in the Plattsmouth post, he was instrumental in the re-activation of the Legion baseball program and under his leadership the local Legionnaires and parents constructed the Plattsmouth Memorial Baseball Park. The baseball diamond and facilities were constructed with no expense to the local taxpayers by the use of volunteer help and money. Boyd served on the executive board of the Legion and represented the Legion as a member to the Baseball Commission.

He was a member of Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #365, past Commander of Hugh J. Kerns American Legion Post #56, past Chef De Gar of 40 & 8, Voiture #1218, Plattsmouth Lions Club, Parents Teachers Association, Band Parents, Blue Devils Athletic Booster Club, Cass County Historical Society, past President of Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival King in 1974, Plattsmouth Masonic Lodge #6 A.F. & A.M., past High Priest of the Nebraska Chapter #3 Royal Arch Masons, Adoniram Council #5 Cryptic Masons, and Mt. Zion Commandery #5 Knights Templar all of Plattsmouth.

He received the Quarterback Award from the Blue Devils Athletic Booster Club. While serving as chairman of the booster club, he organized and supervised the construction of the Athletic Track at the Plattsmouth High School site, which is now the Plattsmouth Middle School. The Athletic Track was completed with volunteer help. Boyd was elected to Plattsmouth Public School Board, serving a three year term. He was appointed to the City of Plattsmouth Planning Commission and later was elected and proudly served on the Cass County Board of Commissioners from 1996-2004.

Boyd was a past Awards Chairman for the Cub Scouts and was a Little League Baseball Coach. He sponsored many baseball, golf, and bowling teams.

Boyd was devoted husband and father, who placed his family first along with his church and community. His children have always said, "We always try to do our best, because we know dad is out there watching."

He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank & Sophia Linder, wife: Barbara Linder (January 17, 2013), three brothers: Alva, Wayne & Morris Linder, and four sisters: Dorothy Hobscheidt, Opal Lee, Connie Gillaspie & Bonnie Allen.

Boyd is survived by three sons: Dr. Max Linder & wife Pat of Lincoln, NE, Scott Linder & wife Janet of Ocala, FL, Kirk Linder & wife Glenda of Plattsmouth, NE, daughter: Paula Kasl & husband Eldon of Poway, CA, thirteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service was held on Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Plattsmouth with Pastor Michael McGregor officiating.

Visitations and the 40 & 8 Service were held on Sunday at Roby Funeral Home.

Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plattsmouth with Military Rites conducted by 40 & 8 Voiture #1218 and Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543 both of Plattsmouth.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Legion Baseball/Plattsmouth Athletic Complex for Kids (PACK).

Roby Funeral Home, 346 Ave. A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. (402)296-3123.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fremont Tribune on May 7, 2013.