Peter Boone LaGrange

1923 - 2022

Rio Grande City - Peter Boone LaGrange,

Indiana native, and Rio Grande Valley agriculture pioneer, peacefully passed away Monday, January 24th, in Rio Grande City, Texas.

Boone was born on the family farm in Whiteland, Indiana on April 22, 1923. He graduated from Hanover, Indiana High School in 1941. Boone attended Hanover College for two years before being called to serve in the Army in 1943.

Honorably Discharged in 1946 as a Technician Sergeant at Headquarters Company 1154th Engineer Combat Group, XX Corps, Third Army. They provided front-line engineering support for the 4th, 6th, and 13th Armored Divisions and the 76th and 80th Infantry Divisions. He served in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. He received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon, and the Victory Medal.

Boone returned home to Indiana in 1945 and married Wilma Walker on August 12, 1945. He then completed his college education at Butler University where he received a BA in Business Administration.

In 1948 Boone, Wilma, and daughter Linda moved to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. His brother Edwin and wife Frances had moved down several years earlier with dreams of starting a successful farming business. They invited Boone to come to take part in that dream.

Over a span of 60 years, Boone was instrumental in the growth of the Rio Grande Valley farming sector, starting Suntex Farms, Starr Produce, La Gloria Farms, Laguna Produce Company, LaGrange Farming Company, and even started a dairy farm in the 1960s. From growing a variety of produce including onions and melons to establishing a research farm to test a wide range of vegetables in 2010, Boone was a trailblazer in the farming industry.

Boone's passion for farming was secondary to the love he had for God and his family. His faith inspired others to turn to the church, where he and Wilma were founding members of St. John UMC. Boone was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America and had recently been awarded his 60-year Masonic pin, being initiated in 1953 to the Mission Lodge No. 1061 and continued his membership with the RGC Hope Lodge 471 as a master mason.

In his off time, Boone enjoyed traveling, family gatherings, basketball, ping pong, and being the "winner and champion" of almost all family competitions.

Boone is survived by his three children Linda LaGrange (Wayne Bingham) of Ledoux, New Mexico; David (Claudia) LaGrange of McAllen, Texas; Druanne (Tom) Duck of Sharyland, Texas; grandchildren Randy (Holly) LaGrange, Cari Murphy, Jennifer (John) Davenport, Caitlyn (Steve) Siebenmorgen, and Cameron Duck; great-grandchildren Taylor Murphy, Grayson LaGrange, Reilly LaGrange, Ellie Davenport, Reagan Davenport, Garrett Davenport, Piper Siebenmorgen, and Lincoln Siebenmorgen. He was preceded in death by his parents Will Roy and Deborah LaGrange, his brother Edwin LaGrange, sister Evelyn "Sis" Lemen, sister Margaret Anne Green, and his beloved wife of 73 years, Wilma LaGrange.

The family wishes to recognize and extend sincerest thanks to Boone's longtime and dedicated caregivers Blanca Villarreal and Nelson Carrillo.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. John United Methodist Church in Rio Grande City, Texas. The Funeral will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 29, 2022, at St. John United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. John United Methodist Church, 109 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582.