Obituary of Ernest Ivan Boynton

Ernest Ivan Boynton, age 90, of Pikeville passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2016, being the last surviving member of the Arthur and Lora (Deweese) Boynton. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Boynton; mother, Lora Deweese Boynton; three brothers, Winton, Walter and J.B. Boynton; two sisters, Louise Boynton Annis and Verneda Boynton Bayless. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margie Fields Boynton; four nieces; eight nephews; several great and great-great nieces and nephews; and a host of close friends throughout the country. Ernest was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting and fishing. When he became unable to go deer hunting with his nephews, he and Margie would ride through the national forest almost every evening to see how many deer they could count. He attended the Lone Oak Baptist Church of Christ in Pikeville. Ernest had a deep love for his country which was shown by his service in the United States Army moving up to the rank of Sergeant where he received two honorable discharges after having served during World War II and again during the Korean Conflict. During his military service, he served on the Honor Guard for Governor Gordon Browning in 1950. That same year he received the distinction of "Soldier of the Month" for Company C, 278th Regiment Combat Team at Ft. Devins, Mass. After his military service, he continued to serve his community by serving as committeeman on the A.S.C. Farm Program for 20 years where he was elected by the farmers of his community. He also served as a Director of the Farm Bureau for 22 years. He was on the Local Selective Service Board for 5 years. Ernest was a member of the American Legion Post #66 and V.F.W. since 1947 where he was Adjutant of the American Legion Post for 5 years and Commander for 1 year. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge for 7 years. Ernest served as president of the Young Farmers & Homemakers in 1953 which was the year they were named "Most Active Organization in the State". During his distinguished life of service, Ernest also served as director of the Tennessee Shorthorn Association for 8 years and was director of the County Feeder Calf Sale also for 8 years. He also served on the advisory committee for the Bledsoe County Bank now known as Citizens Tri County Bank. Continuing his life of service, Ernest began working as a clerk in the Pikeville Post Office in June 1953 and 27 years later in June 1980, he retired from his postal service as Postmaster. After leaving the post office, Ernest continued farming and running his cattle business until just a few years ago. He and Margie also enjoyed traveling with trips to every state except for five. Because of his deep love for his country, Ernest was very involved in the political process where he had a lifelong commitment and loyalty to the Republican Party most recently serving as a campaign manager for Janice Bowling when she ran for U.S. Senator from Tennessee. Services will be Wednesday, November 16, at 2:00 p.m. CST in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Boynton Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, Hwy 127 South, Pikeville, TN. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday 12:00-2:00 p.m.