William Andrew Bovard

William Andrew Bovard passed away at the age of 95 on February 26, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1930, in Forestville, PA to the late Donald and Lucille Bovard (nee Albert). Bill attended Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, PA. He was on the gym team and cheerleading squad. Bill continued his education at Westminster College and received a bachelor's degree on January 24, 1957. Bill also was a proud veteran of the Navy. He served from 1948 until 1952. During the Korean conflict, he was a Radioman 3rd Class on the USS Chara.

Bill began his 44-year career in the insurance industry as a claims adjustor for Liberty Mutual in Albany, NY. He moved to the Cleveland area in 1962 as a claims supervisor. He went on to become a property/casualty sales agent with Sentry Insurance, then became an independent agent. He was self-employed and owned and operated his own agency, Bovard & Bovard Insurance in Westlake, Ohio.

Bill was a dedicated mason for 65 years. He was Past Master of A.A. Stephens Lodge No. 733. He served as a past president of the Rocky River Masonic Temple Board. He was a member of the Al Koran Shrine Clown Unit, named emeriti Clown Director, and a member of the Great Lakes Shrine Clown Unit and International Shrine Clown Unit.

Bill was also known as Bovy the Clown for 48 years, entertaining the public at parades, circuses, picnics and parties. He loved to make children smile.

Bill loved sailing and led a group of Sea Explorers. He enjoyed golfing, hiking, and camping. While wintering in Hawaii, he learned to play the ukulele. He would play and sing in the church choir and with his friends at Makaha.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church. He served as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher and puppeteer. He was a man of strong faith, evidenced by the way he lived. He regularly prayed for other's needs and spent time in God's word each day.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jo Ellen Bovard of 41 years (nee Teets); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Donald and Lucille; brother James A. Bovard and sister Judith Bovard Hommey.

A memorial service will be held on Friday March 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at Bay Presbyterian Church, 25415 Lake Rd., Bay Village, Ohio 44140. Private interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The City Mission, 5310 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, www.thecitymission.org or to the Int'l Shrine Clown Sneaker Fund, c/o John Berry secretary, 2288 Thayer Rd., Freeland, MI 48623 www.buschcares.com 440-937-6175