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BORN
1927
DIED
2025
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John Boyle Obituary
November 23, 1927 - June 20, 2025
John D. Boyle, Rock Island, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the age of 97, while in the care of Friendship Manor. John leaves behind a rich legacy of love, service, and creativity that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born on November 23, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, John was the devoted son of Perry and Mary Deason Boyle. He entered into matrimony with Donna Lees on May 27, 1951, at the Church of Peace in Rock Island, beginning a beautiful journey of partnership that spanned over seven decades.
John dutifully served his country as a U.S. Army veteran during World War II, with a significant deployment in Japan, as part of the occupation force. His service was a source of pride for him, illustrated by his participation in an Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, an experience he cherished deeply.
A dedicated member of the Church of Peace United Church of Christ, John contributed to the church council for many years, exemplifying his commitment to faith and community. His legacy in civic engagement extended further as a lifelong member of the Illinois Freemasonry, holding long-standing memberships in the Trio Masonic Lodge No. 57 AF & AM and formerly in the NRA.
In addition to his community involvement, John was a passionate watercolor artist, expressing his creativity and bringing joy to those around him.
John's memory will be lovingly upheld by his wife, Donna Boyle of Rock Island; his sons, David (Kay) Boyle of St. Louis, MO, Richard (Teresa) Boyle of Rock Island, IL, and William (Patricia) Boyle of Montgomery, MN; his grandchildren, Brandy Lafayette, Matthew Boyle, Christine Reeder, Ryan Boyle, Katy Boyle, John Boyle, Taylor Briggs, and Jenna Gullicks; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-grandson, Dylan McCalester.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. A Masonic service will commence at 11 a.m. at the Knox Chapel of Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 2106 7th Avenue, Rock Island. This will be immediately followed by a funeral service to honor John's life and legacy and be available via live-stream and recorded by visiting https://vimeo.com/1095279343/f055a9e6d8 . Visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on the same day, providing an opportunity for family and friends to gather in reflection and remembrance. Following the services, burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Rock Island, where military honors will be presented.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Church of Peace United Church of Christ or to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.
Online condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.
Knox Chapel of Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory
2106 7th Avenue
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
309-786-5421
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Knox Chapel of Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory2106 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL 61201
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