Paul Theodore O'Boyle

"Ted" Paul Theodore O'Boyle, 66 of D'Iberville, died December 2, 2005 in Biloxi.

Born February 8, 1939 in Wheeling, West Virginia, he spent the first five years of his life in Bethany. A graduate of Pass Christian High School, Ted was an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society. He served as President of the Library Club and held offices in other school clubs. After school he worked as an office boy and learned to be a draftsman for Ratliff Oil Company in Pass Christian.

He was also involved with his family in raising and showing Miniature Bull Terriers.

After his graduation in 1957, Ted joined the United States Army, where he trained as an electronic tech, working overseas at Nike and Hercules missile sites. He also served as a driver and courier of security information for European operations.

After his discharge from the Army, Ted began his newspaper career as a copy boy for the Journal of Commerce in New York City. Within a year he had been promoted to copy editor. He was transferred to the Washington Bureau where he covered national and international transportation news. He was responsible for the coverage of numerous federal agencies, and was a member of the White House Press Corps at the time JFK was assassinated. He returned to the Coast in 1964 and joined the news staff at The Daily Herald, now the Sun Herald. During his 25 years at the Sun Herald, he covered every imaginable subject. He became the Copy Desk Chief where he coordinated the news production of the daily newspaper for thirteen years. Before his retirement, he returned to his love of writing and photography to become the Youth Editor.

Upon his retirement in 1988, Ted worked in a temporary position as a Communications Specialist for Mississippi Power Company's Corporate Communication Department. In this position, he assisted in the production of the company's monthly and weekly publications as a Photo/Journalist.

After he left the power company, he became "Mr. Mom" to his teenage son and three preschool age daughters. This allowed him time to pursue his hobbies of model railroading and making and flying stunt kites.

Ted was an avid believer in the Boy Scout of America. He was a Life Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Ted worked as a counselor, lifeguard and also as head lifeguard at Camp Salmen in Slidell, Louisiana. He became a Scout Leader for a U.S. Boy Scout Troop in Germany during his Army years.

While there he led a Jamboree involving scout units from three countries. He returned to Pass Christian and became Scout Leader of his old troop. Ted later became an Explorer Advisor for a Journalism Explorer Post sponsored by The Daily Herald. He is the recipient of the William H. Spurgeon III Award, the highest council level honor awarded to Explorer advisors.

Ted was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Gordon and his stepfather, Ralph Gordon, both of Pass Christian, and his beloved big sister, Jackie Cook of New Orleans.

Ted is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gretchen O'Boyle, who was also his best friend and soulmate. He is also survived by his children who brought him so much love and joy ÐÐ his son, Lee Gordon O'Boyle of Biloxi; and his daughters, Lynora Kathleen O'Boyle, Laurie Michelle O'Boyle and Leanna Renee O'Boyle, all of D'Iberville. Ted is also survived by Paw Paw's special princesses, his granddaughters, Chloe Yvette O'Boyle, of D'Iberville, and Audra Grace O'Boyle, of Woolmarket.

Ted also leaves his sister Jackie's New Orleans family, his brother-in-law, James Cooke, Jr.; and his nieces, who have always held a special place in his heart, Laura Rickoll, Pam Cooke, Jennifer Cooke and Alicia Cooke.

In his 66 years, so many were touched by him and saw the compassion, love and humor he shared with everyone he knew (and some he didn't know).

Wolf River was where Ted spent many happy times with family and friends. His family will set his ashes adrift on the river and celebrate their love for him together.

There are many reasons the arrangements will be private but now it seems even more appropriate. With all of the sorrow and grief that our friends and family members have endured since Katrina, it's not a time to gather and be sorrowful . . . the family wants people to remember Ted's life, not his death, and be joyful.

The family is asking anyone who wants to memorialize Ted to make a donation to the American Institute for Cancer Research (Dept. 802, 1759 R Street N.W., Washington, DC 20009) or a charity of their choice.