Boggs_Donald

**DONALD GEORGE BOGGS**
Bellville Times Donald George Boggs, 61, of Bellville, TX, was a man of faith who lived a courageous life. At 8:48 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2007, he passed from his home in Bellville to join his Heavenly Father in his new home. Donald was born March 14, 1946, in Benton Harbor, MI, the son of Arlo Swiell and Eva Mildred (Shafer) Boggs. He married Nelda Joyce Henry on February 19, 1972, in Houston, TX. They were married for 35 wonderful years. A member of Faith United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth, IL where he grew up, he graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA with a degree in Journalism in 1968. He served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War as an information specialist and reporter for the Stars and Stripes, Associated Press and UPI. He was honored that some of his news reports, along with his photos of the war, were televised on CBS News and World Report by Walter Cronkite. While serving his country, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and Certificate of Appreciation for consistently achieving superior results and for his faithful performance in extremely adverse conditions. His unrelenting loyalty, initiative and perseverance brought him wide acclaim, and inspired others to strive for maximum achievements. Selflessly working long, arduous hours, he served until 1970. Donald moved to Houston, TX in 1971, where he was manager of Eckerd Drug Stores in Houston and Clear Lake. He then continued his education at the University of Houston where he received his Accounting Degree in 1976. He was then employed by COD Concrete of Houston as Comptroller until he and Nelda started their own business, Gulf Data Systems, Inc., in 1978. After down-sizing the company to a sole proprietorship, they moved to Bellville in 1991 where they continued their business until Donald's death. Donald was a member of the Bellville Lions Club and the Heritage Foundation. An avid believer in helping others less fortunate, he supported numerous charities including The National Right to Life, Feed the Children, The National Federation of the Blind, Project Hope, Star of Hope, Disabled American Veterans, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc., and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and many more. He is survived by his loving wife: Nelda Joyce Boggs of Bellville; sister: Darlene Smith of Mesa, AZ; and sister-in-law: Melba Armstrong of Bellville. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Visitation was held Tuesday, June 12, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Lynn Burling officiating. Pallbearers are Joe Wellborn, Joe Wellborn, III, Alex Wellborn, Gary Rayborn, Jonathan O'Malley and Roy Wiesner. Honorary pallbearer is Frank Strough. Interment will follow in the Oak Knoll Cemetery. Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville was in charge of arrangements. Posted by Joy Neely

Bellville Times

Donald George Boggs, 61, of Bellville, TX, was a man of faith who lived a
courageous life.  At 8:48 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2007, he passed from his
home in Bellville to join his Heavenly Father in his new home.
Donald was born March 14, 1946, in Benton Harbor, MI, the son of Arlo Swiell
and Eva Mildred (Shafer) Boggs.  He married Nelda Joyce Henry on February
19, 1972, in Houston, TX.  They were married for 35 wonderful years.
A member of Faith United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth, IL where he grew
up, he graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA with a degree in
Journalism in 1968.
He served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War as an information
specialist and reporter for the Stars and Stripes, Associated Press and UPI.
He was honored that some of his news reports, along with his photos of the
war, were televised on CBS News and World Report by Walter Cronkite.  While
serving his country, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army
Commendation Medal and Certificate of Appreciation for consistently
achieving superior results and for his faithful performance in extremely
adverse conditions.  His unrelenting loyalty, initiative and perseverance
brought him wide acclaim, and inspired others to strive for maximum
achievements.  Selflessly working long, arduous hours, he served until 1970.
Donald moved to Houston, TX in 1971, where he was manager of Eckerd Drug
Stores in Houston and Clear Lake.  He then continued his education at the
University of Houston where he received his Accounting Degree in 1976.  He
was then employed by COD Concrete of Houston as Comptroller until he and
Nelda started their own business, Gulf Data Systems, Inc., in 1978.  After
down-sizing the company to a sole proprietorship, they moved to Bellville in
1991 where they continued their business until Donald's death.
Donald was a member of the Bellville Lions Club and the Heritage Foundation.
An avid believer in helping others less fortunate, he supported numerous
charities including The National Right to Life, Feed the Children, The
National Federation of the Blind, Project Hope, Star of Hope, Disabled
American Veterans, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc., and the
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and many more.
He is survived by his loving wife:  Nelda Joyce Boggs of Bellville; sister:
Darlene Smith of Mesa, AZ; and sister-in-law:  Melba Armstrong of Bellville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
Visitation was held Tuesday, June 12, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the
Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville.  Funeral Service will be held at 3:00
P.M., Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel with
Reverend Lynn Burling officiating.  Pallbearers are Joe Wellborn, Joe
Wellborn, III, Alex Wellborn, Gary Rayborn, Jonathan O'Malley and Roy
Wiesner.  Honorary pallbearer is Frank Strough.  Interment will follow in
the Oak Knoll Cemetery.
Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville was in charge of arrangements.

Posted by Joy Neely

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