Edgar Walthall Boggan

Lt. Col. (USA, Ret.)



Age 88 of Wilmington, died at home, Wednesday, March 7, 2007. He was the husband of Helen B. Francis Boggan for eight years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Barbara Boggan (Edward L.) Stephen of Mt. Airy, MD; and a son, William Edgar (Frances) Boggan of Atlanta, GA. Edgar had three granddaughters and four great grandchildren. Among his numerous nieces and nephews are a special nephew, Charlie W. Boggan of Dandridge, TN, and a special niece Martha Boggan Robinson of Amory, MS. Family also includes five step-children, Phil (Juanita) Francis, Bill (Rita) Francis, John (Jane) Francis, Steve (Judy) Francis, and Anita (Dave) Nichols. Edgar also had thirteen step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

Edgar was born in Amory, MS, January 23, 1919 to Charles Wade and Alice Fuqua Boggan. He grew up on a cotton farm, and after graduation from High School, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Administration from Mississippi State University in 1941. Later, he received a Master's degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Florida.

He was a faithful member of the National Flag Foundation, one of the America's most unique patriotic educational organizations dealing with the history of the United States Flag.

Col. Boggan was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington and the First Baptist Church of Frederick, MD

Col. Boggan served as Infantry Company Commander, 34th Infantry Division ("Red Bull"), Italy, in World War II. He saw action from Anzio to Milan, and was awarded the Silver Star and three Bronze Stars for action south of Rome.

After World War II, he and his family were residents of Tupelo, MS. During that time, Elvis Presley was one of his 4-H'ers. Ed was subsequently recalled to the Army, and upon retirement in 1965, he joined the faculty of Northwest Mississippi Junior College in Senatobia.

Ed was an active Rotarian and was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Edgar's first wife, the former Edith Barnes of Tupelo, preceded him in death in 1986, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Ed was also preceded in death by his brothers, J.C. Boggan and Tom Boggan, and his sister, Jeffie Mae Booth.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Wilmington at 11AM, Saturday, March 10, 2007, with the Rev. Dr. Charlie Boggan and the Reverends Shirley Pulgar-Hughes and David Lagos-Fonseca officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday March 9, from 4-8PM. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church, Wilmington, Joliet Area Community Hospice or Baptist Student Union, Mississippi State University are suggested. Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of:

REEVES FUNERAL HOME 219 N. Joliet St., Wilmington

815/476-7621