Frank Boatwright (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Frank Page Boatwright, son of Rev. Olin H. and Ruth J. Page Boatwright, was born September 18, 1937, in Murray, Kentucky. He departed this life Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Lake Regional Hospital, in Osage Beach, Missouri, at the age of seventy-five years, six months, and seven days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Bailey Boatwright; and an infant sister, Mary Lois Boatwright.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Janice, of the home; two sons, Tim Boatwright, and his wife, Kim, of Buffalo, Missouri, and Bob Boatwright, and his wife, Sherry, of Stoutland, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Briana, Brendan, Blake, Brock, Brenna, Tim and Heather; two great-grandchildren, Mason and Sawyer; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born in Murray, Kentucky, and as a child his family moved to Missouri where his father was a Methodist minister and teacher, and his mother was a teacher. Frank graduated from Henrietta, Missouri High School in 1955. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Central Methodist University, in Fayette, Missouri, his Master’s Degree from Truman State University, and his specialist from Webster University. While attending C.M.U., he met Janice Brassfield and they were married June 12, 1960. To this union was born Bob and Tim, the treasures of his life. He was so very proud of both of them. Bob married Sherry and Tim married Kim. Frank often said how lucky he and Janice were to have such wonderful daughters-in-law.
Frank began teaching and coaching in Laredo, Missouri. In 1964, they moved to Excelsior Springs, where he was a teacher and later an elementary principal. He retired in 1989, and enjoyed driving dealer trade cars for Westfall O’Dell. That way he also got to see and drive the new cars.
When his grandchildren arrived, he became focused on them. He loved going to their events and any sports they were in. He even thought many times that he could have done a better job refereeing or umpiring and hated to see a call go against his grandchildren. He got to attend two high school graduations and was looking forward to another in May. He never tired of bragging on them to anyone who would listen. The tragedy that he never got over was the death of his granddaughter, Bailey, who was killed when her family was hit head on by a drunk driver. He could never say or hear her name without getting tears in his eyes. Now we can be comforted by knowing that they are together in heaven and Bailey was waiting with open arms.
In 2007, Frank and Janice moved to Lebanon, Missouri, to be closer to their sons and grandchildren. Frank was an avid fan of all sports. He loved watching any sports but especially basketball, and was a big Missouri University fan.
In the mid 1970’s, the Boatwright’s went on a weekend camping trip to Sunrise Beach with their friends Bob and Nancy Motsinger and family. The next week Frank bought a pop-up camper and moved down right by where they were parked. The two families spent many happy years there and the kids grew up together with lots of laughs and memories.
Frank never saw a stranger and enjoyed talking to anyone whether he knew them or not. It was a big concern of his that his very good friends Jim Hurt, Tom Wormsley, and Bob Motsinger preceded him in death. It’s a comfort knowing they are united again.
An hour before his death, Frank was on the phone laughing and talking to his friends Larry Kopp and Clarence Schneider. They solved a lot of problems on the phone.
When Frank passed, Janice said, “He is in heaven with Bailey in his arms.”
Frank and Janice had almost fifty-three years together for which she is thankful and knows that someday they will be together again.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?
