Dale Franklin Boyer of Fostoria quietly passed away in his home on a bright, sunny 24th day of June,
2009. He was 81.
Dale was born February 4, 1928 in Deshler, Ohio, the third son of Levoy and Leona Boyer. His oldest
brother Paul, of Enon, Ohio, survives him.
After graduating from Deshler High School in 1946, Dale attended college in Wheeling, West Virginia where
he was trained in telegraphy. In 1949, he was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Early
in his railroad career, he worked most of the stations and towers along the B & O between
Garrett, Indiana and Willard, Ohio, including a temporary assignment at the then newly constructed
"F" Tower in Fostoria. In 1952, after two years of service in the U.S. Army, Dale became one
of the regular operators at "F" Tower and permanently moved to Fostoria to live.
Over his 40 year career with CSX Transportation (B & O RR), Dale served as station agent both in
Fostoria and Bascom and was a storekeeper in Willard.
In 1952 he married Patsy Thornton of Toledo. Together they reared five children: Alan (Carol) of Perry,
Mich.; Mark (May) of El Cajon, Calif.; Linda Gharavi (Sadegh) of Rochester, Mich.; Janet (Michael
Etzinger) of Havre de Grace, Md.; and Judy Boyer Rickerd (David) of Cincinnati, Ohio.
His wife, five children and nine grandchildren also survive. He was a very loving husband, father and
grandfather and will be missed by all.
Dale never saw a tree or a seed he didn’t want to plant and was an avid gardener throughout his life. He
raised everything from asparagus to zucchini as well as an array of fruits. In the winter months when
gardening was not an option, he spent his leisure time crocheting afghans for his children and each
grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon to celebrate Dale’s life on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Hoening
Funeral Home, 242 W. Tiffin St. in Fostoria. Visitation with the family will be from 10 a.m. to noon on
Saturday prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Online expression of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.
