Elmer Dean "Dean" Boyles

Elmer “Dean” Boyles, 93, of Topeka, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 22, 2024 at Lexington Park Assisted Living.
He was born on February 20, 1931 to Thomas and Rosella (Myers) Boyles in Topeka, KS. He was the fourth of eight children.

During his working career, he worked at International Harvester and Van T Chevrolet. Later Dean worked as a Sales Manager for Laird Nollar Ford and Midway Ford for 37 years. He sold a lot of heavy duty trucks during those years. He started his working career at Topeka Mill and Elevator. He shared the story with family that he got the job at 14. Before he was hired, he had to carry a 100 pound bag of feed up a flight of stairs. He said working that job built up his strength.

That strength helped him in his athletic career. He lettered in football, basketball, wrestling and track at East Topeka Junior High and Topeka High School where he graduated in 1950. His athleticism earned him a football scholarship at Washburn University which he attended for a short time. He took up golf later in life and had six holes in one during his golfing career.

On August 4, 1950, he married Shirley Woollard at East Topeka Methodist Church. Dean and Shirley lived in Topeka, Kansas their entire lives. They had the fortune to move into four different brand new homes during their 73 plus years of marriage.

He was a charter and closing member of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church from 1980 to 2019.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas B Boyles, Jr. in 1939; mother Rosella M Cox in 1995; brother Thomas “Bud” Boyles; sisters Laura M. Cannedy; Nina Boyles Pye; Evelyn J. Ross; Anna Ross; and Barbara Gilbreath. His step-father Glenn R. Cox also preceded him in death.

Dean is survived by his loving wife Shirley. He was a loving, caring and involved father to his surviving four sons and their spouses: Stephen (Mary) Boyles, Topeka; David (Toni) Boyles, Topeka; Dennis (Cindy) Boyles, Berryton; Michael (Stacey) Boyles, Topeka. He has one surviving sibling, his brother, Leonard (Judy) Boyles, Rossville. He was an involved grandfather to his eight grandchildren and welcomed their spouses to the family: Bradley (Melissa) Boyles, Gladstone, MO; Barry (Thera) Boyles, Topeka; Tiffany (Pepe) Miranda, Topeka; Jay (Mindee) Boyles, Tecumseh; Dean (Jennifer) Boyles, Gardner; Mitch (Genni) Boyles, Marion, IL; Dani (Ryan) Hockman, Fort Worth, TX; Beau Boyles and fiancee Brittany Gamber, Hutchinson. He was happy when the family expanded by the addition of great grandchildren Brooks Boyles; Kason and Owen Boyles; Drew and Bristol Boyles; Parker Metz; Hank Hockman; and Milo Tesar and bonus great grandchildren Tanner Goldberg; Jack and Gen Miranda; and London and Sophia Hollis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, 2231 SW Wanamaker Rd., Suite 202, Topeka, KS 66614.
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